Craig J Holland

October's Letter Craig J Holland

Bridgett Webb, a dental hygienist, is out with a couple of coworkers to relax on a Friday night. Bridgett's eyes that night were solely focused on her glass of Pinot Noir that was now finding itself in need of a refill. Twisting the fake wedding band on her finger, placed there to ward off any unwanted attention; Bridgett sat quietly watching her friends start to scope out the Marines that had started entering the bar. As Bridgett turns away from them with a slight role of the eyes, she is suddenly overwhelmed by a strong scent of cologne accompanied by a tall young man heading her way. As Andy Pearce, a young PFC, approaches Bridgett, her initial intentions of discouraging his advances soon dissolve as she reluctantly discovers he is unlike any Marine she had ever met. Their hearts connect in a way that neither of them were prepared for, and their relationship is hastened due to Andy's upcoming deployment date. Before leaving, Andy promises Bridgett to write her once a month, like he does for his mother. Andy keeps his promise in writing her as well as emailing her on a regular basis during his nine month tour, but when his October letter never gets delivered, Bridgett is left in the dark, feeling emptier than ever before, and wishing she had clung on to that fake ring a little tighter back on that fateful Friday night.