I’m sorry to be rambling about. It’s a bit tough being alone tonight. My mom died seven years ago today and I wish I could be with her in Texas right now. I also wish you could be there with me. You always knew the right things to say to comfort me when I thought about my parents. I miss you, Jake.
Maybe when I return in a few years, I’ll be lucky enough to run into you, or perhaps fall into you at the grocery store again.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Please say hello to your family for me.
Emily
May 14
Dear Peter,
I have to tell you about Akihabara in Tokyo. This is an area dedicated to selling only electronic goods. It’s crazy here! You can buy camcorders and computers and even robots.
I saw guys glued to some of the stores playing the latest Nintendo games on large TVs. It reminded me of you guys during undergrad, playing video games till the wee hours of the morning. I’d have to say that you were a borderline addict.
There are many tourists trying to buy camcorders. I see them going from store to store trying to bargain with the shop owners. I’m not quite sure if this place is actually cheaper or if it gives off the appearance of being cheap.
I feel like I’m back in Vegas with all the lights shining in my face at Akihabara. This place is definitely worth a visit for you. I’m sending you some pictures.
Enjoy.
Emily
May 17
Dear Max,
It’s a bit surreal that I’ll be home in a week. I was finally finding some peace within my heart, and now I fly back to face my reality. Sarah seems to have everything under control, but if you have some time, I’d be grateful if you could help her with anything she needs. I feel so guilty that I can’t be there for her.
Since you are done with school, do you get a vacation? I guess I don’t understand how med school works. I just know from Jake’s schedule that you doctors work a lot. Maybe it’s just him?
I hope we can spend some time together—no scratch that. I don’t know if I’ll be available to spend time with you. I’ll see you at the wedding. I’ll be the one in that hideous pink dress. I think Sarah purposely put us in those dresses to make herself shine even brighter. Like, she isn’t going to be the most beautiful one there.
I’ve got to go. My students are waiting for me.
See you in a few weeks.
Em
May 20
Dear Jane,
I sent Jake a birthday card and a small present last week. I hope he got it on his birthday. It’s only been a month since my declaration of independence to you, and I feel like I’ve reverted back to the old Emily. Like a fool, I rambled in Jake’s letter about how lonely I was, and how I wished he were with me. Why do I do this to myself? I thought I had made peace with my heart. He probably laughed at my letter. Maybe he didn’t even read it. (Oh, there go the tears again.)
Did you know Jake and I have almost the same birthday? He was born six years and one day before me. We had promised months ago to celebrate our birthdays for two straight days. I guess that didn’t happen this year. I hope he had a good birthday. What am I saying? I’m sure he had a great birthday.
It is nighttime and yesterday and today have been the most difficult days for me since arriving here. I didn’t think I’d be alone today, especially not this year. I wished I hadn’t trusted all the promises your brother made about our future. It hurts even more when those days come and go without him. I miss you, Jane. I feel so alone today. I tried calling you for the first time, but of course, you weren’t home.
By the time you receive this, I will probably be in LA for Sarah and Charlie’s wedding. They’re getting married this weekend. I assume you are in New York, so I won’t bother calling you when I get to the States.
School is almost done here. Do you think you can visit me? I’m finally sending a return address so please write back. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Bye.
Emily
Chapter 15 Sarah’s Wedding
I walked into LAX, relieved to be surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of America. It was refreshing to hear English spoken in all corners of the airport. I didn’t have to strain to understand what everyone was saying, and I didn’t have to translate every word. The clear skies, warm weather, and multiracial faces gave me a warm feeling of home.