Sydney Askeland
#8-5050 13th Avenue
Okanagan Falls, B.C.
V0H 1R4
October 1, 2013
Captain Van Camp
Commander
HMS Princess Margaret
O Captain, My Captain:
Such tragedy, distasteful tragedy has struck us.
You are a noble man Captain Van Camp. I cannot imagine how hard it was to make
such a decision. Unlike the others, I understand the heroic legacy in
which you wish to achieve by saving five of our young lives.
This is why I am writing to you, O Right Honorable
Captain. You see, the others amongst the ship are going to try everything:
begging, bribing, sweet-talking, etc. But I, Your Excellency, understand. Most
of us are the same in age, very young indeed. We have our lives ahead of us, or
at least five of us do. We have families and friends who care, dozens of people
waiting for our safe return. If they haven't yet broadcasted our misfortune on
the radio, our loved ones are sure to worry when we don't contact them.
What would you do if you could live through this?
Where would you go? Who would you confess your love to? I had never put much
thought into my plans for the future. Now, under the circumstances, a million
options are buzzing through my head. So many chances and opportunities
I would have had. I would make a difference. I would go to school,
get the top education possible. I would find my soul mate and stop at
nothing to make him mine. I would have children, and give them the world on a
silver platter. First, I must make it through this. You see, how many of these
crewmen have plans? How many have a real future? Are there any doors open for
them? Can they make a pure path for themselves, unscathed by the temptations of
urban sin?
This is why, Captain Van Camp, I can assure you
that I am a worthy candidate. Knowing how close I had come to a premature
death, I will make the best life imaginable for myself. It is hard for a woman
to compete in such circumstances, but a gentleman would never let a woman die
before a man, would he? That is how I see you. I know you are the wisest to
have sailed these deceitful seas. Ne'er should it be uttered that you had been
anything other than a hero. Though I merely hope to sway your decision, my respect
for such an honorable man has left me in a contented place. I realize how hard
it will be to make the decisions, to play the role of God. I will not be mad
sir; it has been the experience of a lifetime to serve under your command. I
hope that it will not be the last great experience in my life. I have had a
fulfilling childhood, and the rest lies ahead of me.
Thank you for your consideration, Captain Van Camp.
It has been unforgettable.
Sincerely,
Sydney Askeland
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