Letter #39
Subject:
Thank you, Mrs. Hampton
Date: June 23rd, 1976
-
Crystal
Springs
Indian
Wells Trailer Park
11:19
pm
-
Dear Mrs. Hampton,
I’m having to use a flashlight held between my teeth so I don’t wake my brother. He’s the only one
with a computer? I think I told you? I’ve thought over everything you said and everything that Mrs.
Webb told me, but I think I have a better chance to make a new start for myself with her in California. Please forgive me.
You’re so much different than I thought all those years growing up! You know? But you can’t answer here, I don’t
want my father or brothers to know where I went, no matter how much they threaten you okay? I have to trust you, and I don’t
trust easy. But Cathy Baker knew my Mom growing up and Mom says she’s pushy but she’s true to her word and I’ll
just die if I don’t get out of here! I hope its okay to email you later when I have an address of my own. Come visit
me when I’m a great big star. I’ll show you a real cool time, out’ a sight and jumping, I promise!!
Your new friend,
Becky Kelso
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Sunni tried to call her mother several times but her husband answered each time and hung up with a crude oath. With
a determination to settle the mother’s heart without betraying the daughter’s confidence, she slipped on her coat
and kissed Troy on his upraised lips, ignoring Esther’s look of doubt as she rocked the tiny bundle in her arms.
“ No, Laird. “ She said regretfully at the
old dog’s happiness when he heard the car keys. He limped back to the couch beside his adopted master, head and tail
dropping so visibly she suffered the first pangs of uncertainty.
“ Come on, boy! If I don’t get out of the car you can bark and scare them off!
“ She said, her nervousness betrayed in her voice, but to her relief her six year old remained more interested in
the missing puzzle piece that had been knocked under the couch by the dog’s active tail.
“
I’ll be back. “
“
I hope so. “ Esther promised, turning her head so her tears
wouldn’t show. She pretended an interest in the girl child asleep in the heirloom crib under the click of the dog’s
nails on the hardwood floor and the slam of the screen door told her the resolute little woman had really gone.
“ Be a good boy, Troy. “ She said,
standing to her feet, already deciding how she would word it when she called her husband George on the mobile truck radio.
‘ I couldn’t have stopped her if I wanted too. ‘ She said nervously in preparation.
Then mentally added, ‘ If I had wanted too! ‘ Borrowing
strength from the tenacious woman who’d come to be so much closer to her than a blood sister.
“ I’m always a good boy. Mommy tells me so! “
He said proudly, displaying a gap toothed smile and the missing puzzle piece held aloft.
