Letter I

My dear heart,

I count the days as I am away from you. Am I to be this selfish human, which I so despise, to want to be your only? I so despise myself for loving you so dearly, because it distracts me from my duties. My work, as you well know, is so very important. But, how can I despise when I feel such a love for you? This love, which I once thought weakened me, makes me strong. The very thought of seeing you again makes me work harder to accomplish my duties so that I may, perhaps, see you even sooner.

With my dearest affections,
Your friend and servant.