Letter and Reply 07
Wednesday, October 8th and Thursday, October 9th
Letter and Reply 07
Delivered at 1:32 pm, Wednesday, October 8th.
Dear Billy,
The sun peeked out today, but it still felt chilly. I think you’re right about starting those fires up about now. They’re sounding all too appealing.
Cold days really remind me of home, too. The weather here is a lot like it was back there. It would be nice just to see it for a while, at least. But, yes, as you said, I’d hate to leave my friends behind. This leads me to admitting the sad truth that I really have few friends here. I’m beginning to think it has something to do with my habits of staying in, with the exception of going out for work. I’m a bit of a recluse at times myself. Doesn’t support relationships well, you know? But...I’d like to think that I could call you my friend, Billy. Do I have your consent?
I’m a coward, really! Look at me, I can’t even come and speak to you face-to-face! I would consider that cowardly. (But, you know, reading your statement about my being brave is keeping my spirits up. That’s sweet of you).
Within the realms of music, I would say that my tastes are brave, however. I love music indefinitely. And I would fill my house with it, entirely, if I had a stereo system to my name. But it’s constantly in my ears, (thanks to my trust-worthy disc-man). My only complaint is that I’m running out of new things to play around with. I’m overdue for a stop at the CD shop.
So you are a teacher then! First grade sounds like the perfect age. I’ll bet you’re very good at it. You sound like such a caring person, I’m sure all of the kids just love you. Are you working on anything exciting in class at the moment?
I’m glad you liked the flower. I wish I could have seen that smile of yours. I know it may sound odd, but I miss you, you know? I finish reading your letters and it feels like you’ve suddenly left. So I read them so many times, every time. When I do happen to see you out and about, I drive myself crazy trying to get up the nerve to just let you know who I am. But then I end up leaving and missing you all over again, and twice as much. I hope you can understand. I wish I could tell you.
Sincerely,
MS
Delivered at 4:57 pm, Thursday, October 9th
Dear MS,
It rained too hard today to let the kids out for recess. Poor little mites. Poor me. Do you know what it's like to spend an hour after a play time picking clay out of little kids' hair? Not pleasant. And not productive.
I can't believe you even have to ask that question. Of course you may call me your friend! I'd be insulted if you didn't. And may I do the same? Your letters would have gone into the fire I had last night (I gave in, I admit it. Hey, it was chilly!), instead of me saving every single one. Oops. Did I actually put that down on paper?
I think most of my students like me. I hope they do, at least. We're actually beginning work on the Kindergarten through third grade play at the moment. Something about creatures of the sea. All I know is that the students of my class have been assigned to be manta rays, so I'm reading from a book about the ocean for at least ten minutes a day. Projects like this keep their attention. What child doesn't love learning about animals?
Good lord, listen to me. I should have warned you not to get me started.
I've grown so used to seeing Dom and associating his immediate presence with another one of your letters. Perhaps I've grown dependent on it. Tell me, if you and I ever meet and become real friends, or... whatever, will you still write to me? On occasion? Just so I don't forget how this started. How different this feels.
You make me smile. So much. More than I've smiled in awhile, I think. You make me want to smile all the time, simply so if you do happen to see me out and about, you can see what you've done.
Take care, Mystery Someone.
-Billy
Back
