To paraphrase Dart’s short letter today would take as much time and space as to copy it, so I’ll do the latter. Dateline – Chicago
“I think I know what a hangover feels like. If I’m right, it’s exactly the way I feel now.”
“Got into Chicago on time this a.m., after having a nice train ride on which I slept well. But that cold I had has me feeling a little dopier than usual, especially since I hadn’t had much sleep Sunday night . (Remember?)”
“The news is nothing you’ll get extremely happy about. I was transferred, after waiting most of the day, to the Navy Pier. As soon as I got a bunk assignment, I made proper use of the bunk for two hours. The sleep must have done me more good than the chow I missed in the process would have, but being hungry now, I can’t quite see it that way.”
“As far as transfer or discharge is concerned, I know nothing, and wish I knew more. I’ll make every effort to find out more tomorrow. My only concern for today was to find a place to sleep.”
“Chicago’s cold”
“Sunday night, early Monday morning, after I left you, I drove at breakneck speed for a few miles, with the frozen stumps of my legs wrapped up as much in blankets as I could get them. The speed heated the engine to the point where I could use the heater and try to thaw the tootsies. I don’t feel like risking two lives for the sake of a little warmth, though, so maybe it was best we didn’t work it that way on the way down. Besides, the longer the trip took, the longer I could be with you. It turned out very nice at the end, though.”
“Had to drive down to Bedford for my hamburger (with onions!). Got a cup of coffee, too.”
“Monday evening Homer Singer came to my house and stayed through my frantic cramming of stuff in my seabag. He left as Mom, Pop, and I left for the station. Has as many war stories as I have, (even more!) and some souvenirs. He’s big and husky, and looks old.”
“This is all for now, Dot. Thank you for being all you are to me. I missed you as much after last week as I did on the other two times – after I left you at Kent the first time, and after I put you on the train Christmastime.”
“I love you, my Darling. Please don’t try to write until I get better dope on my whereabouts.”
Well, that leaves us with a few questions: Did they see a play over the week-end, or just stay in? Were they able to attend church together? Did they take that winter walk they’d both written about? How much did Dot cry when they parted? What did Dot think of Fred? Did Dart see her newly decorated room and meet her housemates? Did the subject of a 1947 wedding ever come up with his parents? Let’s just hope that future letters will fill in some of these blanks!