Date: September 22, 2008 3:17 p.m.

To: [email protected]

Subject: RE: Video Games, Siblings, Etc.

Ruby,

Now I really want to know what happened with that soldier you were paired with. You’ve got me imagining things.

I’ve never been to NOLA for Mardi Gras…

I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic about Lethal Weapon or not, but I’m going to guess you’re not. Cleopatra still doesn’t ring a bell, but I haven’t watched any classics either. The only classic I can think of is Gone with the Wind, and that’s only because my stepmom used to watch it at least once a month… I hated it. You’re into costumes in movies?

You know what Bioshock is? You said you played Duck Hunt before so that’s what I was expecting. You into gaming?

I played football. Not because I loved it… or thought I was going pro or anything like that, but it was something to do.

Figure skating is the only sport you watch? Does that count as a sport? Hockey, yeah. Figure skating, no. Why? I’ve never watched Friday Night Lights the show before but I watched the movie.

Aries is the dog’s name. If I wasn’t in the army, I’d bring him to live with me, but I’m gone too much… It wouldn’t be fair to him.

Why’d you name your ferret Sylvester?

I get the sibling thing. We all get along. I don’t see them much, so that’s probably why. You said you’re almost the baby, how old are the rest of your brothers/sisters?

You can talk to me about anything. My other pairings in the program write to me about their lives and their kids. It’s just nice to have an escape sometimes, anything is welcome even if you think it’s boring because it’s probably not compared to things here.

Do you have kids?

I shared your jokes with some of the guys in my squad. Feel free to send more. You can message me about whatever though.

Can I ask why you’re always awake in the middle of the night?

-A

From: [email protected]

Date: September 24, 2008 3:05 a.m.

To: [email protected]

Subject: Hi Part 2

Hi Aaron,

I’ll tell you what happened with the other soldier if you insist. He started sending me “crotch” shots (or if you want to be technical, the words I’m looking for rhyme with “tick licks”), and asking for some in return (not “tick” pics but you know what I mean). There’s only so much I’m willing to do for my country. Nudies isn’t one of them. Please excuse me for talking about private parts. You asked.

You’re smarter than I am. Mardi Gras was an experience I’d be fine not ever reliving. I thought I had an idea of what to expect. I didn’t.

I don’t know who would have the nerve to be sarcastic about Lethal Weapon, but it wouldn’t be me. My mom would beat me. I’ll second your hate for Gone with the Wind. I hated the plot and the characters, too, but I liked the wardrobe. And yes, I like movies with great costumes and makeup. I’ll tell you two things about Cleopatra: it’s one of the most expensive movies ever made and the main actress had 65 costume changes. Crazy, huh? (You don’t have to answer that. I know not everyone thinks that kind of thing is interesting and that’s okay.)

Lol! Duck Hunt is my favorite, but I’ve played Bioshock a few times before. Two of my friends are real gamers—one likes PC gaming and the other console gaming—so I know a little.

What’s wrong with figure skating? They wouldn’t have it at the Olympics if it wasn’t a sport. They’re really athletic. You should probably know my little sister is a figure skater, that’s why I’m into it. It’s the Santos family official sport.

Aries is such a perfect name for a king shepherd. Did you choose it or did your dad?

I had to change my ferret’s name after two months because his original name, Logan, wasn’t cutting it. He didn’t have a “Logan” personality. He’s a mess. Ferrets have a lot more personality than you’d imagine.

My oldest brother is 29, then there’s my sister who is 26, my other brother is 25, then there’s me at 23, and my little sister is 18. Do you miss your brother and sister while you’re gone?

Getting to know someone is always a little strange, but I’m sure we’ll figure this out. I don’t really do much. I work, watch TV, and go out to do random things with my friends or family a few times a week. I travel with my little sister sometimes and for work every once in a while, but not that often.

You can ask me just about anything that you think of, if you think of anything.

I don’t have kids yet, but hopefully one day in the future I will. Do you?

I have a good joke for you:

Grandson: Were you in the war, Grandpa?

Grandpa: Yes, I was a fighter pilot.

Kid’s mom: Weren’t you stationed in Illinois, Dad?

Grandpa: Yes, and I’ll have you know not one enemy aircraft got passed Missouri!