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But the year after my accident, I missed days and even weeks of school I failed my classes, and the principal informed me I would have to repeat junior year I stopped soccer and tennis I couldn’t babysit I couldn’t drive The friends I’d had weakened into acquaintances
I texted Mirren a few ties that later I was ashamed of, they were so lonely and needy
I called Johnny, too, but his voice mail was full
I decided not to call again I didn’t want to keep saying things that made me feel weak
When Dad took me to Europe, I knew the Liars were on-island Granddad hasn’t wired Beechwood and cell phones don’t get reception there, so I began writing ees, these were char notes from a person without headaches
Mostly
Mirren!
Waving at you from Barcelona, where my father ate snails in broth
Our hotel has gold everything Even saltshakers It is gloriously vile
Write and tellto college and whether you have found true love
/Cadence
• • •
Johnny!
Bonjour fro
I saw the Winged Victory Phenomenal body No arms
Miss you guys How is Gat?
/Cadence
• • •
Mirren!
Hello frois That is, s of a sheep mixed with oatmeal and boiled in a sheep stomach
So, you know, he is the sort of person who eats hearts
/Cadence
• • •
Johnny!
I ae
Snorkel for me Eat blueberry pie Play tennis Build a bonfire Then report back I am desperately bored and will devise creative punishments if you do not comply
/Cadence
I WASN’T ENTIRELY surprised they didn’t answer Besides the fact that to get online you have to go to the Vineyard, Beechwood is very much its oorld Once you are there, the rest of the universe see but an unpleasant dream
Europe ht not even exist
15
WELCOME, ONCE AGAIN, to the beautiful Sinclair family
We believe in outdoor exercise We believe that time heals
We believe, although ill not say so explicitly, in prescription drugs and the cocktail hour
We do not discuss our problems in restaurants We do not believe in displays of distress Our upper lips are stiff, and it is possible people are curious about us because we do not show them our hearts
It is possible that we enjoy the way people are curious about us
Here in Burlington, it’s just ht of Granddad in Boston or the impact of the whole family on Beechwood, but I kno people see us nonetheless Mu house with the porch at the top of the hill The y h of cheekbone, broad of shoulder We smile and show our teeth e run errands in town