V-mail from Marguerite Vincenzo to Seaman Tobias Vincenzo
Son,
You’re right, but sometimes being right doesn’t amount to much. No, it isn’t an ideal world to bring a child into, but if we all waited for that this planet would only house dandelions and cockroaches.
And... I am quite often a hypocrite, but not in this situation. I was mad—spitting mad—but that was just my initial reaction. An understandable one at that. I don’t dislike her. To tell you the truth Roylene’s growing on me, maybe not as quickly as the baby growing inside her, but steadily, incrementally. It began when I noticed the brightness in her smile. She shines like a new penny if you catch her at the right moment.
Her daddy is another story. I haven’t seen much of Roy, but I know he’s around, crawling on his belly, a cobra ready to strike. Irene’s boyfriend, Charlie, had a talk with him. I didn’t ask for specifics, but whatever transpired has kept things status quo.
When you get home you’ll take Mama Vincenzo’s ring to the jeweler, and then we’ll work out the living situation. And yes, you are coming home. Stop that kind of talk—you don’t want to give the universe any ideas.
I love you, Toby.
Your ma
P.S. I’d like to be called “Nana” instead of “Grandma.” It’s more elegant.