V-mail from Roylene Dawson to Seaman Tobias Vincenzo
Dear Toby,
I’m very sorry about your father.
I saw his picture in the paper with the notice. I knew his face. When I was about twelve I started working at the tavern, doing the sweeping and cleaning. Your dad came in once in a while for a sandwich. He liked to do a trick where he would find a nickel behind my ear. Do you know it? He always let me keep the coin. I had eight or nine of them before he stopped coming. I don’t think he liked my pop.
Well, I took those nickels and bought a scrap of fine lace, cut it in two and sewed the pieces around the tops of my socks. I wanted to make a dickey but I figured my pop would notice, and anyway, the socks made my shoes look better.
I hope your ma can find some peace remembering the good things about your dad. I don’t know if I’m supposed to tell you this but she’s not doing so good. She doesn’t leave the house. We’re trying to help. Everyone is. I even held Little Sal up to the front window, but she won’t come out.
I’ll write again soon.
Your Roylene