August 17, 2003
Dear Matt,
Hi! How are you? I’m good. I can’t believe you’re stuck back home already. Two weeks went by so fast!
Did you have fun at camp? Do you think your parents will let you come back next year?
We have the talent show this week. Me and the girls in my cabin are doing a dance. It’s pretty cool, but I’m nervous to dance in front of everyone. I like practicing though.
Anyway, I have to go. Rest hour is almost over, and I have swim next, so I need to change into my bathing suit.
Write back soon!
Your friend,
Taylor
P.S. I decided to take farm again this week, but it’s not the same without you.
Chapter five
Present
"So, then what happened?”
“That was it,” I explain through the Bluetooth in my car. “I told him to think about it, and then we hung up. There wasn’t really much else to say.”
“He didn’t ask how you found out?” Jessica asks.
“No. I mean, he’s got to think it was the GoFundMe page. You know what they say about bad news traveling fast. I don’t think he knows anything more than that.”
“And what’s the deal with Leyla? When will she come home?”
“No idea. She just got cast in that show, and it looks like they’re filming a whole season.”
“I still don’t understand how she could leave him right now. I mean, ifmylong-term boyfriend just had a stroke, I wouldnotbe in California pursuing an acting career.”
“Mini stroke,” I correct her. “And ugh. Please don’t call him that.”
“My bad. That was insensitive. But keep in mind, there’s a reason why he never married her.”
“Fair point,” I reply.
“Has he heard from her?” Jessasks.
“Don’t know. I didn’t ask.”
“So, what now?”
“I just wait, I guess.” I exhale. “I can’t get over what he said, though.”
“Which part?”
“That he was humiliated to see me.”
“Can you blame him? Think about if the tables were turned. What would you want to look like if you saw Matt after a million years? Would you want to be all made up and put together, or would you want to look all sick and weak?”
“Jess, he didn’t evenlooksick. He looked the same. Thinner, and sure, a little older than the last time I saw him, but notsick.I was expecting half his face to droop, or for him to be using a walker or something. But Matt looked totally normal.”
