Hey, Charlie,
I’m sorry I missed you on your way out of town. I must have been out getting supplies for my big trip. Or shots. It’s been a while since I’ve taken a trip where you need shots, and let me tell you, I did not miss that part. Anyhow, I hope Berkeley’s treating you well. And as for your note of apology, well, that’s just horse shit. It was nobody’s fault—and certainly not yours for keeping her out too late that night. I don’t want you ever thinking that, and she wouldn’t want it either. We knew from when she was young that every day was a gift. Besides, I should thank you. All I ever wanted was for my girl to be happy. You made her very happy, Charlie. And it’s nice knowing there’s one more person out there who knows how incredible Katie was. One more person out there who loves her.
Katie wanted you to have her notebook. She told me to tell you that you stole it so many times, you might as well keep it. She also told me to tell you to read the last page first.
Oh! And did you hear Katie’s song on the radio? Well, it’s your song, I guess. Named for you, anyway. Morgan called me the other day and said she and Garver heard it in the car. My girl, on the radio. Not that I ever doubted she could make it.
Take care, Charlie. And don’t be a stranger.
—Jack Price