June 14, 1916
Happy BIRTHDAY TO MEEE!!!!! Mr. Granger gave me the day off today (thanks to the fact that I did his share of the farm work yesterday). It was also probably because today I, Bradley Swift, become 18 years of age. I beseech a rite of passage… partially because mother made me feel a bit emasculated by giving me this journal. Anyway, after I got this and kissed my mom and grabbed my knapsack, etc., I dashed to Charlotte’s house (She is my closest friend on this entire globe, she’s like a little sister) and I greeted Mr. Granger. He was acted quite friendly today, he greeted me with an embrace and said: “My boy, don’t be thinking this is the last time you can stay!” (It’s like tradition; we always have sleepovers on each other’s birthday) “Just because you’re becoming a man doesn’t mean I don’t know ya’! In fact, Imma trust ya’ even more with my daughter, got it?” Honestly, I felt kind of awkward. It’s like, I love Charlotte and I would do anything for her, but I never really considered her in that way. Plus, she’s only got eyes for Rupert. I don’t see how her dad didn’t realize it when she turned cherry red at graduation as she kissed his cheek.
Anyhow, moments ago, Charlotte and I were talking about how her dad was called to war and how he is in no condition for it. Charlotte feels horrid. I’ve been trying my best to comfort her. I don’t think she even needs me for it though. She seems so enthusiastic about the idea of her being in the war; I bet she’d be a top notch soldier, too bad she’s a girl. BUT she did give me the best idea in the WORLD. If I enlist, I would not only be a man, I’d be a hero. Then I could finally become someone on the same level of this firecracker and her beloved.
I’ve decided. I will get up first thing tomorrow morning, before Charlotte or anyone else, and enlist. (I don’t want anyone to know and try to convince me out of it.)
P.S. Rupert got here late. We got to talk when Charlotte fell asleep. He’s gonna join me in the morning.
January 11, 1917
So it's been a while. I just completed all my training and we're being sent off tomorrow. I feel like I should be more nervous. I just can't though; I'm one day away from actively wielding a weapon in battle.
Lately, I have been haunted by guilt about leaving Charlotte behind... It came out of nowhere, though! At least I made a new friend. He joined out of the blue and caught up with the infantry Rupert and I are in. He is amazing. I think I can use him to feel a bit better though, I feel like I've known him my entire life. His name is Charles. I swear. He's a spitting image of Charlotte! Turns out he is a long lost relative of some sort. I will have to write a letter back home soon. I want an explanation for never having been told about him.
Oh! Before I forget, today I was asked to keep a record of my experiences for some historical something or other… So I need to be keeping important details, which I will get out of the way for today.
My name is Bradley Swift. I am 18 years old. I used to be a farmer in Somerset before joining last June. I came looking for a rite of passage while seeing the world outside my hometown. I currently serve as an infantry soldier in division 14. I was told that we will be going to the Western front.
February 7, 1917
So we’ve been in the trenches for about three weeks. Charles keeps saying that he feels a battle coming on. I’m starting to think he’s a peculiar one, but something makes me trust him. With that Charlie did get a conversation started. Each bloke had another bit of story as to what these past two years were all about. I felt pretty abandoned for I had nothing to add; it was all new to me. There were many times when I felt pretty ignorant because I had no bloody idea what the men were talking about. That is when Charlie would come in and explain everything, making it seem as if he were just talking about some childhood memory that I was totally aware of.
