November 16th, 2004
Dear Dad,
I saw Ryan again today. He visited the house and Uncle Alex answered the door. Ryan was there holding my clothes and underwear. He said that he washed and dried it, and then he handed it back to me. He waved goodbye and left. Uncle Alex stood there with his arms folded and said “Did you use a condom like I told you to?”
I know I should feel mad, but I could only feel embarrassed. I walked to my room without answering Uncle Alex’s question and laid face down on top of my bed. Uncle Alex knocked on my door and said “I’m sorry, Rico, for embarrassing you” It sounded like he wanted to add more to that, but he stopped and left. I decided to read again for the rest of the day. Richard called me around lunch time and he asked if I wanted some homemade pumpkin pies. He explained that his parents don’t sell pumpkins, but they grow their own personal pumpkins and make desserts with them. I said sure. Uncle Alex and I went over and grabbed two for each of us and thanked Richard’s parents. His parents said “No, no Richard made them. He likes cooking and baking in the kitchen”
While in Uncle Alex’s car, he started laughing out of nowhere. I asked why, and he said that he was gonna say “He’s a keeper” but decided not to. Ironically, he did anyways because I asked him. I can’t believe Uncle Alex thinks I like three guys now. I just want him to leave me be just so I can choose who I like in peace.
By the way, I got your letter. It’s weird how you only got my first 5 letters. This is my 12th letter, and I’m still gonna be sending in more. It’s pretty awesome that you’re doing great in the hospital. Maybe you can send in daily letters like I’m doing. It would be nice to read that you’re improving on your health every day.
My birthday’s coming on the 10th of December and I’m wondering if you’ll get better before then. I know it’s a bit too much to expect since you’ve only been in the hospital for nearly a month. Maybe I can come visit you on my birthday. A plane ticket would be a great present.
Your son,
Rico
YOU ARE READING
Letters
General FictionHaving a father with cancer, Rico flies to the U.S. from Australia to live with his uncle while his father recovers on his hospital bed. Rico writes daily letters about his life to keep his father constantly updated, but his awkward and innocent be...
