Above Puppy’s food bowl: Puppy doesn’t need food! Harry already fed him this morning, and will feed him later tonight.
Remember when Coop thought it would be a good idea to do a “Puppy Easter egg hunt,” but instead of Easter eggs, he used uncooked hot dogs? He put uncooked hot dogs around the house to see if Puppy would find them. And Puppy did find them, except for one, which Mom found later in the washing machine. Coop is sorry about that.
On my mirror: Good morning, Sammie! Mom and Dad will be coming in shortly to say hello.
Remember when you picked out this mirror and dresser when you were six? You had been sharing this room with Harry, and for your birthday, everyone decided it was time for you to get your own room. So we went to the flea market in Lebanon, just you and Mom and Dad while the kids stayed with Mrs. Lind, and you found this dresser and mirror within minutes of being there. Mom and Dad tried to tell you that it looked clunky and old-fashioned for a little girl but you knew what you wanted, so they trusted you and put it in the back of the truck and let you ride home with it in the back the whole way. Besides your books, it was the first two things in this house that were fully yours.
Now we’re just lounging after dinner in my room. Coop’s been reading the trainer’s manual for his new job fixing equipment during the off-season at the ski resort, which he’ll start next week.
He went to get a glass of water from the kitchen.
I didn’t forget anything today.
In fact, I’ve been really good for the past couple of days since Coop has been around.
I feel strange in my stomach, but not a bad kind of strange, sort of, like, butterflies, at the idea of Coop being in my room late at night. How cheesy is that? Okay, he’s coming back.
So…
so
How’s that water?
delicious. want some
Yes.
Thank you.
What’s up?
lol
Now you’re the one who’s typing lol when you could just laugh.
yeah but your parents just came in to check on you, which means we’re not supposed to laugh That’s not what that means.
does that mean you should go to sleep and i should go home No! Don’t go yet.
are you going to fall asleep No way.
you look sleepy
It’s because I’m staring at a computer screen, dorkus.
look at me
…
See?
nah you look sleepy
I’m wide awake.
what do you want to do now I don’t know, what do you want to do?
how are you feeling
So fresh, actually. Really good.
are you up for another field trip Where?
guess
Potholes?
duh
Yeah.
are you sure? you gonna be okay?
Yeah, I took all my meds. And you know what to do if I can’t remember stuff.
yeah plus i actually am a first responder What?? Really? You know CPR and everything?
yeah
When did that happen?
i took a class
When?
that night i drove you home from the side of the road your parents told me you weren’t supposed to hang out unless it was with someone who was certified. so i took a class. i even have a card! i’m a card-carrying member I don’t know what to say. Thank you, Coop.
:)
:)
Let’s go.
you ready?
Yeah.
HIGHWAY 89 REVISITED
I just have to say this one thing while I’m sitting next to Coop in his car and we’re on our way to the Potholes, and I’m not sure how to say it, but I’m looking at Coop with the wind going through his hair, and through my hair, and there’s no music, just the sound of crickets and leaves and tires on the road, and he’s telling me to get off my phone, and I will but just let me write this, I just want you to remember this, Future Sam.
Coop is lying asleep next to me on a blanket on the ground.
We were lying next to each other, telling jokes, and when we ran out of jokes we were both sort of shaky and awkward, not like usual. The crickets were out. Frogs splashed in the water nearby. Coop he asked me if he could tell me something.
And I said yes.
I didn’t have to respond, he said, but he needed to tell me, especially with everything going on.
He scooted closer to me and I smelled strawberries. The frogs got louder. I burst out laughing because I was so nervous, and he asked, why was I laughing?
Because I’m nervous.
Why are you nervous?
Aren’t you nervous? I asked him.
Yes, but I know why I’m nervous. Why do you think I’m nervous?
I don’t know, I said, but I have an idea, because I might be nervous for the same reason.
Well, in that case, Coop said, and he hoisted himself to lean on his arm, looking over at me, and we were no longer just saying words into the sky. He opened and closed his mouth a couple times, and swallowed.
I have feelings for you, he said.
Oh yeah?