Dear Ms. Picot,

I apologize for how long it has taken me to write back to you. The army has kept me moving constantly even with the ceasefire. I write from the cramped barracks in Paris. Despite the many days I have spent away, I have not forgotten my promise.

I remember that you told me how much you wanted to revisit Paris in the Spring. I would highly advise against it. The number of sick patients has kept rising. My assignment, since we are no longer in the trenches, is to stand guard at the front of the hospital. Despite my warning, I will admit that Paris truly is beautiful. Although, I wish I was here during better circumstances. I have attached a postcard of L'Arc de Triomphe. I hope it brings you joy.

I also remember how you did not believe my story when I last met you. I assure you, everything I told you back in December was true. My birth father and mother immigrated to France from Asia prior to my birth. I am a descendant of those from the Indochinese territories. I was born on their migration to France, and I was abandoned on a train station platform outside of Marseille when I was an infant. I was taken in by a coloured couple, the Fortiers, who I consider my father and my mother. If you’re ever in Marseille, you can meet them for yourself.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

I was raised in Marseille. I worked at the port helping my father who was a dockworker. I learned to read and write from my mother, and later on, in my childhood, I was able to be tutored by a family friend who works at a college. This is why you did not see me in the same uniform as those other Asian soldiers. They were conscripted from their home countries back in Asia. But for me, France is my home. I have known no other life, I have no connection nor roots to my racial culture. I am French. I see no other alternative. I enlisted in 1918 as soon as my parents realized that I would’ve most likely been drafted against their will anyway.

Hopefully, you remember me. I miss your laugh and your beautiful smile. I long for that week we met.

A thousand kisses,

-Laurent