baguio
december 9, 1944


darling fely,

i just got your letter and you can imagine how happy it made me feel. somehow it didn't come as a surprise at all - it seems that i felt that your love was there all the time even during those years that i was compelled to forget you. there's absolutely no doubt now that you and i were made for each other and i hope that God will spare both of us so that we will have the chance to be happy together when things are alright again. i'm glad to tell you that if nothing goes wrong, i'll get my divorce as soon as the judge comes to town. he is not here at present. and then i'll be free - free to come to you. in view of the uncertainty of the times, i often occupy myself with dreaming of our future which promises so much provided that we survive. i can just picture how happy our life together would be and if fate had intended that you or i should go before we had the chance to enjoy it, then i'll still be happy knowing that i had someone who loved me even after so much heartache and so long a separation. the knowledge of your feelings towards me has done a lot to restore my faith in human beings. before i had found you again, i thought that people generally can't be trusted. they're only good to you when they know they can get something in return. and because of this breaking of my faith, i started to become selfish and tricky just as i thought others were - and i was right for as the people around me were concerned. but fortunately your love was there watching and guiding me all the time and it led me to where i can be happy once again. because you've shown me that one can love and give without any thought of reward - in fact, in you case, it wasn't only the absence of any reward, but you were left deeply hurt besides. and still here you are - giving some more. the only difference now is that i'll do everything in my power to see to it that you'll get your reward even if you'll not ask for it - so God help me.

so long, sweetheart and may God keep you. i'm praying for a speedy reunion and please remember that i pray for you (written here is part of the letter which blurred out and is now unreadable)

yours always,

ely

P.S. i'm sorry to inform you that charing with hing's father died recently.