Letters from the war (Jenlisa adaptation)

Part 2

January 12, 2002 Hey, I hope that when you decide to raise taxes in the city, you don't look to see if he's drooling or not. Otherwise, you're a complete mobster. I think one of the advantages of living here is that we're well fed. I'm not much of a cook myself. I used to live on instant noodles, and as a kid, I was always hiding packets here and there. Luckily, at least I know how to boil water. I also like to read, no books here, but the last one I read was Stephen King. Have you read anything interesting lately? I sympathize with you about your parents, but I'm glad you have Sam now. I think he's an angel, even though he drools. I bet Santa got him a lot of nice presents for Christmas. You're a big shot to get the sheriff to childproof your house. People must love you. I hope you're doing well.

Lisa.

January 16, 2002 Private Manobal, My goodness! If I'm not mistaken, you suspect me of fraud. How insolent! Well, then, we both love King. I was afraid I was going to have to get interested in army knives. I recently finished The Four Seasons, although I've been reading it in bits and pieces due to time constraints. So the book took several months to finish. I think the last one I really read was Green Lunch. Sam loves the pictures of Dr. Seuss and the way I read. He especially likes the voice I use to portray the Lorax. You know, I think Santa even went a little overboard. Most of the presents went into the pantry: Sam wasn't old enough to play with them yet. He did enjoy going through the boxes, though. I don't know if they love me, but the sheriff didn't mind. Maybe you're right in assuming I'm a mobster. Have a nice day, Ms. Manobal.

Regards, Jennie Kim.

February 4, 2002 Hi, Jennie, I'm doing good. It's a little hard right now, but I'm rereading your letters. It's amazing that Sam is standing up on his own! God, wasn't the boy just crawling yesterday? You're gonna need higher plugs because he's gonna start climbing everywhere he can. Soon he'll be walking and talking. And then he'll learn to count. And he's gonna move on to high school. And learn to drive. And start dating girls. So good luck, you're gonna need it. I'm kidding, he'll always be your little boy. So does mayor Storybrooke have a lot of Valentine's Day dates planned? Or are you going to celebrate quietly with Sam's dad?

From Lisa.

February 10, 2002. Private Manobal, are you trying to give me a heart attack? Sam's growing?! Bullshit!!! But, yes, he was crawling in the evening, and the next day I saw him stand up, grab onto the coffee table, and take a couple steps. We are slowly learning to walk on our own, but once he lets go of the support, he immediately drops to the floor and crawls away. I have no idea how babies crawl all day long! Sam insists that I crawl with him, so I've regretted having wood floors in the house a thousand times. I actually adopted Sam. So I highly doubt I'll be spending Valentine's Day with his dad. I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day much anyway. Do you? Maybe there's someone on base you can spend it with. But by the way, Sam and I had cake last week in honor of my birthday. I guess that counts.

Sincerely, Jennie Kim.

February 17, 2002 Hi, It was your birthday and you were quiet? Happy Birthday!!! I hope you and Sam had a good time. I'd like to get you a present, you know, an army knife or something. If you could get anything, what would you wish for? God, no! Valentine's Day is definitely not for me, at least not yet. I guessed it was, but I wasn't sure. I grew up with guardians from birth and I know exactly how much adoption means to a child. You're awesome, you know that? Why did you choose adoption?

Lisa.

March 1, 2002 To Private Manobal, -awesome-? That's the last definition associated with me, but thanks for the compliment. I was engaged once, but the engagement ended tragically. And I've always wanted children, so adoption wasn't a difficult decision. I've never regretted it, despite the night feedings and sleepless nights when he was teething. Sam is my everything. When I was a kid, my dad and I rode horses. I haven't ridden since he died. I know no one can be resurrected, but if someone asked me what present I wanted for my birthday, I'd say I'd like to go into the stable and ride a horse again. I think Sam will say the first word soon. So far it's something like -m-m-m-m-m-m-m- but he's almost done it. He'll be a year old in April. Planning a party for a one year old is harder than scheduling a city budget! Honestly, dealing with angry townspeople is much easier than choosing between Snake Man and The Magic Show. Bless you.