My Dearest Lu Ling,

I have been away from you for so long, I feel as if it has been decades, even centuries, though I know it has only been merely a few months since I have last seen you. Your beautiful face is behind my eyes every day, and through all this war, I continue on in the hopes of seeing you again. Although I would rather speak of happiness and better days, I have urgent news to report to you, my father, and the sisters. The Communists are moving towards Immortal Heart and Mouth of the Mountain. You must escape the orphanage as soon as possible, for there is imminent danger looming not far away. It may be even closer to you than I have estimated, for I am not trusted with such information. I fear for you with my deepest heart, and pray that you will escape safely and swiftly. Do not fear for me, for I am safe within the Communists, but do not try to be noble and stay in the orphanage in the hopes of seeing me, for our only chance of seeing one another again is if you escape safely with my father and the orphans. My heart of hearts aches with the knowledge of what is to come, but knowing that you will be safe eases the pain. One day soon, this war will be over, and we shall all be reunited and happy once again. I pray that you and the others are well and that your escape is successful, and I pray for the days when we will see each other once again. I love you with the deepest part of my heart, and my love is as immortal as the name of your beloved village.

Love,

Kai Jing

Kai Jing never sent me this letter, for he soon discovered that the Communists were reading all letters before they were sent. Fortunately for the orphanage, those plans were soon changed, and the Communists moved away from Immortal Heart village after hearing rumors of ghosts in and around the village. I only read the letter after Kai Jing and the others returned to the orphanage which was delivered to me by Kai Jing, but after they were found and killed by the Japanese. He told me all that went on when he was forced to fight, and though I knew he was going to die the next day, I couldn't help but hope that he would remain with me, and that all would be well.