Dear Aaron(58)

AHall80: Yeah they do

AHall80: But I wouldn’t mind meeting you.

RubyMars: …are you still drunk?

AHall80: No

AHall80: For real

RubyMars: Maybe one day. :) RubyMars: When are you leaving for Scotland?

AHall80: In a few days. On the 18th.

RubyMars: I meant to e-mail you. You should look into getting waterproof shoes or boots for your trip. I watched this episode on one of the travel channels that they filmed there and they talked about how unpredictable the weather was. Rainy one minute, blue skies the next.

AHall80: Huh

AHall80: That’s not a bad idea.

RubyMars: Maybe take a rain jacket too.

AHall80: Yeah, good idea. I’ll see if I can buy some boots today to give me some time to break them in.

RubyMars: Yeah, you don’t want to end up with blisters while you’re over there. :) AHall80: Yeah.

AHall80: I’m going to head out. I’ll msg you later.



9:22 p.m.

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey

RubyMars: How was your day?

AHall80: Fine

AHall80: Just got back from a run to the store, glad to be done with that

RubyMars: What store?

AHall80: The big store RubyMars: “The big store.” That narrows it down.

RubyMars: Why do I feel like there’s more to this story?

AHall80: Heh

AHall80: Nothing happened. It just made me realize how many things I don’t miss after a year away.

RubyMars: What else haven’t you missed?

AHall80: Traffic AHall80: People with problems that aren’t really problems RubyMars: :) RubyMars: I wanted to ask but didn’t want to ask, are you handling being back fine so far?

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: Mostly AHall80: My first two tours, not really, but I’ve gotten better. When we get back, we have to go through reintegration and they take it seriously. We have to take a class on identifying signs of depression and PTSD. I’m lucky and haven’t had either happen yet. Worst thing for me is big crowds. I can’t handle them anymore. Loud noises don’t do me any good either.

RubyMars: Who really likes being squished in with a ton of people willingly anyway?

AHall80: :]

RubyMars: Are you doing anything tomorrow?

AHall80: My brother was asking if I wanted to go to NOLA with him for a couple days.

AHall80: It isn’t mardi gras, so I should be good to not step in any shit.

RubyMars: You think you’re so funny, don’t you?

AHall80: Are you laughing?

RubyMars: No

AHall80: Liar.

RubyMars: BYE



June 16th

2:21 p.m.

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey you

AHall80: Sorry I went MIA

RubyMars: It’s okay. I assumed you were busy.

AHall80: I went to Max’s parents’ lake house. Didn’t realize there was no service until I got there.

RubyMars: I thought you were going to go to New Orleans and not step in crap with your brother?

AHall80: I like my brother, but two days with him? Nah.

RubyMars: Did you have fun at the lake house at least?

AHall80: It was nice, quiet and there was AC. It was good.

RubyMars: It’s the little things in life. :) AHall80: Now I’m rushing to get my stuff together for my trip.

RubyMars: Did you end up buying boots?

AHall80: I did, so did Des. Max didn’t. Don’t know about everyone else.

RubyMars: ….

AHall80: I know. When he starts complaining, I get to say I told you so.

RubyMars: Lol. Yeah you do.

RubyMars: Hopefully the weather is great the entire time you’re there, but… :) AHall80: If I don’t talk to you before I leave in two days, I’ll e-mail you when I can.

RubyMars: Okay. Have fun!

RubyMars: Enjoy your vacation for the both of us.

AHall80: I will. :]

AHall80: Bye, RC.



12:33 a.m.

AHall80: Hey

RubyMars: Hey.

RubyMars: What are you doing awake?

AHall80: I’m pissed RubyMars: Want to talk about it?

AHall80: There’s nothing to talk about.

AHall80: I’m sorry AHall80: You didn’t do anything.

AHall80: Max’s sister broke her arm and her friend broke her leg.

RubyMars: Max’s sister’s friend…

AHall80: They were both going to Scotland with us as a graduation present.

RubyMars: When did it happen? We just talked like 6 hours ago.

AHall80: An hour after I messaged you.

RubyMars: Oh crap. Are they all right?

AHall80: They’re alive and fine besides the broken elbow and leg…

RubyMars: What happened?

AHall80: Someone T-boned them in a car wreck.

RubyMars: That’s terrible.

RubyMars: Wait

RubyMars: Does that mean they can’t go?

AHall80: Yeah

AHall80: That’s why I’m so….

AHall80: The friend can’t walk, and they said Max’s sister might need surgery. If she doesn’t go, Max won’t either.

AHall80: I know it’s selfish to be so mad about some girl breaking her leg and Max’s little sister, who I’ve known forever, getting hurt on accident, but I’m not happy.