She promised a quiet weekend at home centered completely on the kids.

She wrote about how much she treasured our long-term commitment.

She said the distance overseas was making her see how important our family’s foundation was to her everyday life.

I read the message twice.

The screen’s glare felt harsh in the dim shipping container.

I opened my green notebook and noted the exact minute she’d sent it.

I set the phone back down on the desk and watched the screen go dark.

Military mail came onto the base every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.