JULY 21

Hi Dad!

Guess what? On the oldies station they had a special called “One-Hit Wonders,” and they played “Heartless Empty-Hearted Heartbreaker”!

When I heard it, I ran into Alice’s office and she stopped working while we listened. It was very exciting! Afterward, the DJ said, “That was the smash hit from the Talky Boys! I wonder where they are now?”

“Their East Coast comeback tour!” I shouted at the radio.

Alice bought us new flashlights to use for Neighborhood Watch. I was sort of hoping we’d catch a criminal, but instead we just walked up and down, up and down the streets, shining our lights here and there.

“Isn’t ‘Heartless Empty-Hearted Heartbreaker’ the best song you’ve ever heard?” I asked Alice.

“Yes.”

Remember when your music used to make Alice happy? Now anytime I bring it up, it depresses her. It seems like the only thing she’s into these days is her work. Well, that and trying to get me to buy into some sort of talk-fest.

“Emily, we should talk about the divorce …” she said after a while.

“Alice, let’s not,” I answered.

The totally bogus thing is, I sort of wouldn’t mind talking to Alice now and then. Of course, it wouldn’t be like when you and I talked about music and stuff like that. It would just be … I don’t know. Talking. But I just can’t bring myself to say anything to her. She tries too hard, and if I talked to her it would make her happy. For some reason, I can’t stand the thought of her being happy. And she’s kept things from me before, so why should I tell her every little picky thing about my life? Anyway, I’m still mad at her. Next time you call and no one’s here, be sure to say, “Alice, DO NOT ERASE THIS MESSAGE!”

Hey, are you and the other Talky Boys enjoying your tour? Wouldn’t it be cool if you played in Rancho Rosetta?

Remember when you always used to say I was like the fifth member of the band? I’d run errands, help pass out flyers, and sit in on your practice sessions. The other Talky Boys were always so nice to me, especially Luka. He would always let me play his drums. After you, Luka was the best musician, but you had TWO instruments, the guitar and your voice. I love it that you’re the lead singer. I hope I get my singing talent from you and not Alice.

I remember when you suddenly started talking about the Talky Boys’ big comeback. “Emily, it’s going to be the real thing. Not just weddings and dances and low-paying stuff like that.”

“But you liked playing at A.J.’s sister’s bat mitzvah, right?”

“Right. But this is the big time. We’re getting a manager and he’s booking us in clubs! We’ll tour the East Coast, and then if that goes well, we’ll cover the whole country,” you said. “It’ll be just like before, when we could fill a stadium.”

I just loved listening to you. You were so happy. That’s why I totally understood why you had to miss things like my school play when I was orphan number three, or when you couldn’t make Parents’ Night at school. What made me feel bad, though, was that you and Alice would always fight about it later. It bothered me that she used to get mad at you for not being around and spending time with me. If it was okay with me, why was it such a big problem for her? And her solution was what? A divorce, so I’d really never get to see you? Oh, that’s smart thinking, Alice.

Luckily, there’s nothing stopping you now. It must feel good to be able to focus on your music without any distractions. By the way, have you tried calling me back again? I’m sure you have, but to save money you probably hang up if it keeps ringing. I don’t blame you. Long distance can be expensive.

Love,

Emily

P.S. I used the credit card to get a new MPS 5000 answering machine. The one we had was old and unreliable.