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Subject: |
Like lightning |
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From: |
eric.sawyer@usmc.mil |
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Date: |
Nov 15, 2001 04:35 |
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To: |
anniehaley79@aol.com |
I’ll bet you didn’t expect such a fast reply.
I was at my computer when your e-mail came through. That chime was the best dang thing I’ve heard this year, other than that one time you said “yes.” When I got the e-mail I swear I could picture exactly where you were. It almost felt like talking.
Your poor mom. But stop worrying! Charlie Vietnam and me—two different people. Two different Americas. We’re better organized now. We have our crap together. That’s what they tell us anyway.
Do I think it’s weird she never told you about him? I dunno, I guess. But you probably haven’t told her everything about you, right? Does she know you’ve been slinking around town with that old man for instance? Sorry, I’ll never not think of him that way.
Y’all are close but she’s still your mama. Had a big ol’ life before you came around. Prob a mess of secrets, too. You figure to tell our kids everything you’ve ever done? Every heartbreak you’ve ever had? I reckon not. Keep me out of it if you do.
I don’t know why she won’t say more about your dad. Whatever her reasons, I’ll wager they have to do with love. Your mama has nothing but goodness inside. You’re made the same way.
I guess you have to ask yourself why you care. Why it matters to know his name. You’ve managed a-okay till now without it. More than okay, as it happens.
Well, love, gotta go. I’m not supposed to be on this machine. Guess what? We’re almost there! I’ll send you postcards from Kandahar. Sounds like a novel. Maybe you can write it.
All my love,
ES