The Sixth Letter

 
Thursday, May 31, 2001                                                                                 
4:55 PM
Dear Ducky,
            My last full day of school.  I am feeling absolutely ill, and I had been wanting to skip my last class, but I am glad that I decided to stay, even though I am not sure why.  It’s a beautiful day today: the sun is shining and it’s very mild—not too warm, just right.  It’s nice.  I only wish that I had a pair of shorts to wear so that I could enjoy it more.  But no shorts until I lose some weight!  The quarter is at an end, and I am feeling good because I know that I have accomplished much during my first year here.  Did I tell you that I got straight A’s last quarter?  Oh Ducky, are you getting ready for summer vacation too?  Tomorrow I have an oral presentation for my Spanish class, and then on Saturday morning I am catching a plane to California to see Tim’s graduation.  Oh yeah, and also to see Eleanor before she dies…Do you remember Eleanor at all?  She has…emphysema?  I’m not really sure.  I am excited to see my family—I miss them VERY much.  And I am excited to see the Sonoma hills and vineyards.  And at the same time I am nervous because I have been thinking about you so much and now I will be going home and you won’t be there.  I know that I am going to drive by your house—your old house…and shudder in grief because you are not there.  And I will keep trying to conjure you up, hoping that you will suddenly appear at the front door.