Date: July 26
Subject: top of the world
Okay, good. I'll stop calling everyone I know in South and Central America now.
Listen. I'm heading up to Peary Land next week, on the far north side of the island. The air is too thin up there to produce snow, so I'm not expecting great wi-fi conditions. Getting there, doing the work, and then getting back will take about three weeks.
I hope you're okay. I'm trying not to read too much into your last message, but you didn't sound like yourself. If you're able to talk before I leave for the north, even for a few minutes, please call. I have my phone on, and I'll make time. I'll walk right out of the cold lab for you.
We need to look at our schedules again because it's been too long, love. Imagining you in bed with me isn't sufficient. Please tell me I'm at least adequate in the shower.
* * *
To: Erin Walsh
From: Nick Acevedo
Date: August 13
Subject: top of the world
Hey, Skip.
Sorry, I didn't get this until now.
Tegucigalpa is not at all like the Dadaab refugee settlement. It's all trauma surgery. All I'm doing, all day, is trying to put people back together and failing. It's only been a few weeks and I've lost track of all the patients who've died on my table.
This world, it's really fucking terrible sometimes. I think about you out there, exploring Greenland, or speaking in Mumbai and Buenos Aires, and I worry about you. I know you can handle yourself, and I trust you to do that, but I still worry. You're all by yourself, and I can't protect you from a fucking thing and I hate that.
You're right, it has been too long. We need to find a time, and I want more than a couple of days. I want months, Erin. Years if you'll give them to me.
Nick
* * *
To: Nick Acevedo
From: Erin Walsh
Date: August 24
Subject: back to civilization
Hey…
I'm back in Nuuk, on the southwestern side of Greenland. I'll be here a few days before I head to Oxford.
I'm sorry that it's been difficult in Tegucigalpa. I know how much it weighs on you when you can't save them all. I wish I could be there for you.
What about that week after you finish in Honduras? Can we meet up somewhere? I can jam through some projects and make that work.
I hope things are a little easier, or at least less overwhelming. Call me anytime, love.
* * *
To: Erin Walsh
From: Nick Acevedo
