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71 Thanksgiving Day - 9:15 P.M. My very dearest darling: Had intended to write you early and go to bed, because my cold is making me uncomfortable and stuffy. But, just as I was getting dinner Paula came over and in a state of mild hysteria. Bill, after a 6 mo. absence came down today - stayed a few hours and left. The story in between tears finally came out, and I tried to quiet Paula as best I could. It's too long, and pathetic to write about (I will tell you about it sometime when you get home) but you can probably get some picture from the essential facts: they married to young, were sexually immature, Bill at twenty-seven is just beginning to grow up and is in that adolescent state of ‘mixed uppness,’ and finally they have nothing concrete for the future! Bill's family seems to have quite a bit of money that was made by the grandfather, and Bill thinks it can get him anything. Then underlying it all is his fear of the war, and knowledge that he is afraid to be a part of it. Paula has some common sense fortunately, but I don't think either one has a lot ‘upstairs’. I'm sorry for them and the rough road ahead of them but sorriest of all for Keeo. I fixed Paula a drink, and listened to her for [pg 2] about three hours. I couldn't begin to help her, because I just don't have enough experience to draw on - the best I can do is listen and I try to understand perhaps that will help somewhat. I realized how much we have darling, and it made me afraid of what it would be like if something happened to you. And now to make me feel better the radio blares forth with a bulletin to the effect that B-29s based in the Marianas have attacked Tokio! Darling, nothing can mar what we've had together, and that happiness together with your letters and understanding do more than anything else to keep me from going out of my head. This morning your two missing letters arrived -and it was so good to have a long one again - and to know our mail is getting back and forth so well. And darling I had the loveliest surprize- a letter from Fran's mother asking me to spend Christmas with them - I'm not going, because it's going to be a hard day, and I want to spend it here alone with you and Wendy. However, I am going to ask for a rain check on a week-end in Feb, or March, whenever it's most convenient. I wrote Margarita, but never received an answer - think maybe I'll write again. Also had letters from Muz, Doug, M and F. Doug says he expects to have 3 or 4 days in San Francisco. I wrote and asked him if there was any chance of his being able to fly to [Saluias?] [pg 3] I wrote letters all afternoon - including one to Jean asking if she would like to come out for a visit this spring. When I got tired of writing I wrapped the Christmas presents already purchased. Tried to keep Wendy out of the house as much as possible - don't see how she can help but catch my cold. Wanted to put her crib in here tonight, but it won't go thru the door. Have to hope the germs will fly out the window. No, she hasn't crept any more, but tries to hunch along like a little inchworm. She is getting so chubby, and looks so much like your baby pictures. Her head, face, and hair are just like yours. Her eyes are the smilingest, and at times the most penetrating ones I've ever seen in a baby so young. Yes, darling, she is exactly what we wanted, and lots more - perhaps because she is a baby born out of love - at least I like to think of it that way. Forgot to mail your letter this morning, but since it is a holiday I don't think it will be delayed if at all. I still have some of your flowers, [pg 4] they were one of the happiest surprizes you've ever given me. I think the only one I didn't like was this past Sept. meeting on the corner as you came out of school. Everytime I think of it I get tied up inside. It helps me so much to know you understand, and are thinking of me, as I do of you. So glad you didn't wait til you were 35 - and as I look up your picture is laughing at me. Well Thanksgiving is over - for awhile today I didn't think I had much to be thankful about - but now I realize how much I do have that really matters - Thank you for you, us and our Wendy- Bobby 23/42 Hunt for Japanese tutor begins - Saw Charley again at the bookstore - 1st [sem?versary] - record of “Dearly Beloved” - red carnation 23/43 Hugh and Fran for dinner tonight - rolled roast and Brown Betty
