1910s: In which Alice responds to her sister

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Dearest Anna, 

Do not apologize for not telling me in advance, did you really think I did not know that you were leaving? I knew the moment I heart Charles mention the need for nurses. I do know I do not always keep up with the news, or engage myself the way you do, but I am not oblivious to the reports from the front, or the suffering of the people there. How could you do anything else and still remain yourself? 

Now whether our parents knew that is another matter. Please tell me you told them gently? Oh, who am I trying to fool? You surprised them after the fact, did you not? And mother and you got into an argument, didn't you? Do not be too cross with her, she worries about you. She cannot understand why you'd not rather live in safety, because it's what she wishes. Do write home often, our parents, both our parents, will be sick with worry for you. As will I! 

 Things are getting back to a sort of normal here, though it's a strange kind of normal. Classes are harder and more demanding, as I suppose they must be, but also more inspirational. Did you know that more than a third of the population goes to see films every single week? That they are building huge outdoor studios in Del Sol Valley just to keep production up to meet the demand? The more I learn in my classes, the less theatre seems to be the future of the industry. Film is, and film is happening in Del Sol Valley. I dare not think about what our parents would think if I too left the comfort of their home for adventures elsewhere, but if your imagination is running away with you to France and the war, mine is running to the studios of Del Sol Valley. 

 Do you think Lizzie would ever think to go with me? I wish I dared to ask. Am I demanding too much? Of course I am. I cannot help but to be jealous of people like Ida, who can flaunt her love for her husband. Lizzie and I pretend to be only friends in public, doing our homework and eating our meals as everyone else. Yet the moment we are alone... a stolen kiss. A brush of the hand. 

 Her brother has moved to Britechester with his new wife, by the way. It makes it even harder. Even when out walking we risk constantly to run into him, his wife, or anyone of our dorm. And yet I cannot but long for another stolen kiss. Maybe persuading her to move somewhere far away where no one knows us will be easier than I think. We can live as friends, but have a place of our own. But now I'm being a dreamer again. I need to stop this folly. 

Mother told me in her last letter that Ida had her baby, their first boy, Austen. Of course mother think he's the cutest thing in the world. Knowing Ida, he probably is too. Do let me know what is going on with you, and assure me that you are safe. And write also to our parents to relieve their worry and fear. Be safe, and take care. 

Your loving sister, 
Alice

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