Love,
Alice
From: [email protected]
Subject: re: checking in
Date: January 24, 2025
Dear Alice,
Thanks for your New Year greetings, and sorry for once again being an inconsistent pen pal.
To be honest, I’ve been missing you terribly recently. Over the past month, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the best times of my life. You know that I loved college, but I think those summers where you, Briar and her siblings were all at camp will always top that. Nothing has given me more joy in my life than being able to bring you all to a place I love, a place I’ve put so much work into.
You know you’re old when you’re reminiscing about stuff like this! Anyway, how’s school? Are you liking London any more now (aside from winter weather – oof)?
Love,
Susan
From: [email protected]
Subject: re: checking in
Date: April 13, 2025
Alice, my darling girl,
I have a confession: my cancer is back. There, I told someone. My doctors have been worried that I’ve been keeping this to myself, but frankly, I don’t see the point in dragging anyone else into it. Still, it feels good to get it off my chest.
It’s inoperable, unfortunately, and the prognosis is fairly bleak. Do keep this to yourself, dear. I’m still sitting with it.
All my love,
Susan
From: [email protected]
Subject: re: checking in
Date: April 14, 2025
My Susan,
I’m heartbroken to hear this news. Thank you for telling me.
I know you don’t want to worry anyone, or have anyone dote over you, but I have to be honest with you, since I always am. I think you need to tell your children about this. They will want to be there to support you, especially Briar, and you need to let them. Now, of all times, your family needs to be together.
Sending all of my love & strength to you. You know what you mean to me, so I won’t pain you by writing it all out.
Love,
