I’ll lose my nerve if I say goodbye in person. I used to think it was sweet, being born on Valentine’s Day. Who knew that the Day of Love would end up as Numero 4 in the Draft Lottery? My induction notice will come any day. Dad says I’m a coward. Too bad. I can’t fight in this rotten war. If I were a better Catholic, maybe Father Finnegan would help me get CO status—but the government’s cracking down. No more grad school deferments. Dad told me to join the National Guard. He doesn’t get it. The lines for those slots are endless. You have to know the right people. Anyway, the Guard supports the war. Tell Ma not to worry. There’s a whole network up there. I’ve got phone numbers. Can’t say where I am or where I’m headed, except it’s cold as hell. Hope you like the Polaroid. Dad will be happy I finally cut my hair. Thought I should be presentable at Customs. Any chance you could take Bandit? Greg will keep him for a while, but his girlfriend hates cats. And Bandit likes you.
