Dear Patrick, Love Avery

March 24, 1999

Dear Patrick,

It’s been a few years, hasn’t it?

I wasn’t going to write, because I wasn’t sure what to say. But after seeing you in town the other day I was reminded of that last summer together. I think I need to apologize. I hope you are finding happiness wherever you are.

Avery

May 7, 1999

Dear Patrick,

I’m sorry to hear about the divorce. That must be hard.

You asked how I’m doing. I went back to school to finish my degree. Art, if you remember. After years of working that printing job, I’ve decided to do something I actually enjoy. I’m learning a lot about ceramics right now.

And yes, I do need to apologize. I never should have treated you the way that I did. I’m glad that you’ve been able to move on, but I won’t be able to until I apologize properly. So, I’m sorry.

And before you ask, no nothing ever really came of Ethan and me.

Avery

June 1, 1999

Patrick,

I’d forgotten about that drive-in! We had so much fun together. We saw Ghostbusters II there, didn’t we? And some scary movie that we left early. I can’t remember which one. Thinking about the drive-in reminded me of our go-kart track. The one we built in the cul de sac. That was too much fun. Until you sprained your wrist.

I definitely prefer painting, usually oils. Ceramics have been a good challenge, though. Can’t wait until it’s over. Since you asked, I’ll send you a photo of one of my recent paintings.

Before I go, you have to tell me what happened to that frog from the lake. I think about it all of the time!

Avery

June 22, 1999

Patrick,

Thank you! I’m pretty proud of that painting. It got an honorable mention in the art society here in town.

I can’t believe you had that frog for three years. I remember when we found it in that little pond. I thought you were crazy for taking it home. Poor little guy, having to live with you for those few years.

I’m only joking of course.

I wish you hadn’t reminded me of the name of that stupid scary movie, by the way. It brought back way too many memories and now I have to sleep with the hall light on!

Speaking of my home, you asked where I’m living. My current apartment is about 10 minutes from where I grew up. I drive past my childhood home all of the time, the one you’ve been to. Mom sold it when Dad died and moved up to Seattle to live with my brother and his wife. The house, and the town for that matter, look the same. Not much has changed in the past decade. Are you going to have to move once the divorce is settled?

Wishing you the best,

Avery

July 9, 1999

Hi Patrick,

You can always move down here. It’s a lot cheaper than living in any of the bigger cities surrounding. Anyway, I am sorry to hear about the struggle of finding a new place to live.

Why do you ask about me and Ethan? Nothing ever happened. It was just a summer thing. A few weeks, really. And it never felt like you and me, in case you’re wondering. He ended up dating Veronica Price senior year. Do you remember her? That redhead who always dove perfectly off the high dive and got annoyed when you and I would have belly flop competitions.

I went to the pool the other day, by the way. They had the exact same soft serve stand that we used to sell out. And the same old man still runs it! Of course, I had to get a chocolate cone just like old times. He remembered me and had the funniest stories to tell about us. I think we were his favorite customers.

My summer class finishes soon and then I only have one more semester until I graduate. Maybe you should come down for the graduation. Hopefully, my mom can come down for it.

Let me know how house hunting goes!

Avery

July 31, 1999

Patrick,

I’m not sure what I want to do after I graduate. The local high school might be looking for a new art teacher soon. I might also try to sell some of my work. There’s an auction in a city not too far from here.

If you move cities, will you have to find another job? That would be annoying.

So, the summer festival is in two weeks. The entire town is more than excited, like always. The local theater is doing a production of Guys and Dolls. And there is a rumor about some alternative band coming to play on the first night. I was asked to volunteer at the ticket counter again, but before I agreed I wanted to ask you if you wanted to come down for it. It’s been quite a few summers since the last festival you came to. I know the last one didn’t end too well for us, but maybe this one would be different. Let me know.

Yours,

Avery

P.S. I have a pull-out couch if you need a place to stay.

August 23, 1999

Dear Patrick,

The house feels so empty after your visit. Everyone is still talking about how much fun it was to have you back. Mrs. Peck has asked me twice when you are coming to stay again. Who knows, maybe we can restart our summer tradition. You are welcome earlier than that, of course.

I’m glad we got to do some of our favorite things together. The drive-in was fun and The Sixth Sense was not as scary as I thought it would be. We really should have asked the name of that old man at the ice cream stand. Next time you come, we’ll have to visit the bowling alley. That’s the only place we didn’t go back to.

School starts back up for me in a week and then the countdown to graduation begins! I am going to have to plan something fun between now and then to get me through it. Maybe I’ll come and visit you and your new place during fall break.

Let me know when it works for you and I’ll give you a call!

Love,

Avery