Iraq Dreams

I Coralee was hunched over, writing at the kitchen table. Early morning sun slanted in through the window facing the backyard. Sighing, she picked up her coffee mug. She sipped at it, then stretched to relieve the knot of tension in her upper back. Screwing up her face, she returned to reading over the letter she’d written: Thursday, November 18, 2004 Dear Rick, I was writing to tell you that we moved back here to Momma’s in Oklahoma City. I was halfway through the letter when I received a call from the Army telling me that you had been wounded a couple of days ago by one of those IED explosions. The man, Captain Dunlavey, I think he said his name was, had been trying to reach me at home in NJ, but of course I was no longer there - I moved back here with the kids this past Monday, the 15th. Anyway, I figured it would be better if I started the letter all over again. But I wanted you to know that I’d made the decision to move - to leave you - before I knew that you had been wounded. I feel terrible about this, Rick. I don’t know what kind of wound you‘ve received. Captain Dunlavey said something about your leg. I guess he wasn’t too sure himself, except to say that you were being moved to Walter Reed and that I could visit you there. I’m not so sure that’s a good idea, Rick. I don’t want to start things up again and I don’t want to give you any false hopes. I think it’s better this way - a clean break. We’ve been headed in this direction for a long time. This god-awful extended separation has only made our situation clearer, that’s all. Of course, the finances have created a lot more stress and your not being available has been hard on Thomas - your not being around has been especially difficult for him. But, at least here in Oklahoma, I’ve got my mother to help out. Not that her friend, George, or my brother is of any use at all. Anyway, I’m sorry to hear that you’re hurt and I hope it’s not too bad, but I won’t be coming to visit and as soon as I’m able, I’ll be filing for a divorce. I hope you understand and will accept this decision and not go creating any trouble. It’s bad enough as it is without your making it worse. One more thing, I’m enclosing some papers from your accountant, Fred. Your NJ office is closed-up (as of 10/31) and all of your records and papers are still there, locked in your safe. Fred thinks you might want to sell the building and if you do, he can be helpful with that. Our apartment upstairs is empty, except for your things and some of the furniture. I didn’t know if you’d want to rent it out or not. Your attorney, Arnold, also wrote a letter, which I’m enclosing. As you’ll see, he thinks you should go ahead and file for bankruptcy.