Two months had passed since Mom moved to Maryland, and although I was over the moon about her newfound happiness, things didn’t feel the same without her: playing wasn’t as fun, it was hard to focus during my practice sessions, and I couldn’t for the life of me settle on a repertoire for my Juilliard application. Maybe I was being melodramatic, but I even felt like my skills were slipping without her guidance.
More than anything, I wanted to hear her voice.
It was already late on the East Coast, however, so I turned on my laptop knowing I’d have to find solace in written word. It didn’t matter if it was a call or text, Mom was terrible at answering her phone. She blamed it on her age, saying it was a generational thing, but considering Dad was glued to his cell, her excuse wasn’t very convincing. Email though—that was a different story. For whatever reason, Mom loved typing out long rambling messages, sifting through junk mail, and clearing out her inbox. Ever since she moved,it had been our primary form of communication. Once my browser loaded, I clicked on our latest thread and reread today’s exchange.
THANK YOU!!
J Mitchell
Wed, Oct 14, 11:33 AM to Indie
Hello daughter of mine,
Have I told you lately that you’re my favorite youngest child?
Just wanted to let you know I received your package. Thank you so much for the book, that was so thoughtful of you. And it’s signed too?!?!? I started reading it last night and I’m already on chapter 14. I’ll give you a full review when I’m done.
In other news, my refrigerator died this week and it’s going to cost me an arm and a leg to repair. On the plus side, it was the perfect excuse to eat ice cream for dinner!
How are things on your end? Is your father making time for you or is he working twenty-four seven? Have you decided what to play for your Juilliard audition? Tell me everything.
Xoxo,
Mom
Re: THANK YOU!!
Indie
Wed, Oct 14, 4:12 PM to J Mitchell
Mama Llama,
You mean your best child, right?
Glad the book arrived and that you’re enjoying it.
I’m sorry to hear about the fridge. For future reference, you don’t have to wait for your appliances to break in order to eat ice cream for dinner.
Nothing too exciting on my end. Last weekend Violet bribed me to be her PA for Comic Con (where I got your book) because Lydia broke her leg. I met one of Alec’s bandmates when I was there and he was pretty cool. Dad is Dad. I got an A on my Macbeth essay, so thanks for reading it over.
Any idea when you’ll be able to visit next?
Love,
Indie
Re: THANK YOU!!
J Mitchell
Wed, Oct 14, 9:28 PM to Indie
You’re right—best youngest child.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about Lydia, but it was nice of you to fill in for her. Which bandmate did you meet? The cute one with the dimples? If your father is spending too much time at work, you need to let me know. I’ll have a chat with him. Good job on your paper. Keep up the hard work.
I’ll try to come home for Thanksgiving, but if I can’t make it, I’ll see you at Christmas.
