Subject: re: checking in
Date: March 5, 2018
Dear Susan,
Thanks for sending the photos from your spring break! It looked lovely.
Maybe Briar told you already, but I figured you should hear it from me. I’m dating a woman. Her name is Tess. You remember the friend I mentioned going to a Halloween party with? That’s her!
We’ve been dating for a few months now, so I thought I’d tell my parents. Their responses kind of surprised me. They weren’t angry, or upset that I’m a lesbian, but they didn’t seem to understand why I wanted them to know. It wasn’t what I had expected, but it wasn’t bad. It’s funny to me that after all these years of being divorced, sometimes they still react the exact same way when I tell them news.
Anyway, I was thinking about when Briar came out to you junior year. She was never worried for a moment that you wouldn’t accept and celebrate her exactly how she was.
How is Briar, by the way? Is she dating anyone?
All my love,
A
From: [email protected]
Subject: re: checking in
Date: March 25, 2018
Dear Alice,
I’m so glad you shared that with me. When you mentioned Tess in the fall, I wondered if there was something there. You speak very highly of her, and I’m sure when your parents get the chance to meet her, they will see why it was important for you to tell them. I would love to meet her myself!
I know you’re deciding about coming home this summer, and I wanted to make it clear (if it wasn’t already!) that you are always welcome to stay here. Briar and her siblings will be home for the summer. Of course, if you come all the way to the US, I’ll also expect to see you at camp for at least one weekend! Deal?
Briar has been dating someone – I’m surprised she hasn’t told you about Riley. She’s come over for dinner a few times now. She always offers to help out in the kitchen, and she’s quite the cook!
Anyway, just let me know about the summer once your plans are figured out. We’d love to have you.
Love,
Susan
From: [email protected]
Subject: re: checking in
Date: April 15, 2018
Dear Susan,
I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner. I figured Briar had already told you.
I did something that I don’t think she’ll be able to forgive me for, and I made the decision to give her space. It hasn’t been easy, and I won’t lie and tell you that I don’t miss her every single day, but I think this is the right thing to do. So, I won’t be able to stay with you this summer.
I’m glad Briar has Riley, Noah and Harper. They look like they’re having a great time in college, and I feel like I can live vicariously through the photos I see on social media :) Maybe one day things will be different and I’ll come home again.
All my love,
