For The Love Of Oatmeal

Chapter 15~ My Oatcrazed Love

Tania and Toby spent the rest of the day sorting through letters and reading the most important ones.

September 6th, 1996

Dear Elisa,

Why didn't you write back to me? Why do you not return my love for you? Is it actually true that you have a fondness for Markus? I can't help but feel like I did something wrong. Am I just not good enough? I mean, I know that I can never compare to you. You're perfect and I'm..not. You're hair..the shade of oatmeal. You're smile, the color of oatmeal. You're thoughts, mostly about oatmeal. Is that the reason you don't love me? Do I not appreciate oatmeal enough? Please answer me.

Love, Alex R.

August 19th, 1997

Dear Elisa,

I still can't believe I'm about to marry the girl of my dreams. I mean, tomorrow you will be Mrs. Retep, my wife! Waiting a year has been tough, and I still can't believe you said yes. Just warning you, I'll probably cry...but only because I know you're going to cry and I'm a sympathetic crier! You probably already knew that though. I just wanted to tell you one more time before you walk down the isle (in your oatmeal-colored dress I've heard so much about) that I love you. More than anything in the world. More than silver, more than gold. More than oatmeal.

See you tomorrow!

Love, Alex

July 1st, 1999

Dear Elisa,

I am going to miss you so much while I'm gone in Africa. I mean, I already cried five times and I haven't even boarded the plane yet. I know it's going to be tough on you, but I have to do my job. There are so many sick children in Hobyo, and they want me (and my doctor skills) out there. I hate to leave you behind with the twins. I literally can't stop looking at the picture you gave me and imagining what they will look like when I get back 14 months from now! Just remember, I love you a lot more than oatmeal...though oatmeal is pretty good.

Love, Alex

July 26th, 1999

Dear Elisa,

I got your letter. I'm coming back as soon as I can get a plane ticket.  It's okay, everything's going to be alright.

Love, Alex

September 19th, 1999

Dear Elisa,

Why did you do this? Why did you leave me here, hurt? I needed you. The kids needed you. I miss you so much, it hurts so bad. You can imagine how much I cried already. I mean, why you and not me? I have asked myself this question about fifty million times already. I want to kill myself, but I know I can't do that. The twins only have me now..though I know it's going to be hard to take care of them both. Because of what happened to you, I don't know if I can bring myself to eat oatmeal ever again.

-Alex

That was the last letter they read. After reading it, Toby looked up at Tania to see tears stinging in her eyes. He felt so bad for her, not having a mother. He was meaning to ask her who her brother was, but noted that now was probably not the best time. What if something had happened to him too, and she just started crying more? He hated trying to comfort people. So awkward.

Enclosed in the bottom of the letter was another slip of paper. Toby pulled it out and suddenly, he heard something drop on the floor. Tania bent over the side of the couch to pick up a shiny metal key.

"Huh, I wonder what that's for." he wondered aloud as he turned his attention back to the paper. He unfolded the grey scrap and read the article aloud.

September 25th, 1999

Elisa Retep, Founder of the Oatmeal Appreciation Club and Mother of Two, Dies at 23

Elisa Retep, a young mother to two twins and happily married to Alex Retep, died last Sunday from over consumption of oatmeal while pregnant.

Mrs. Retep was extremely fond of oatmeal, which is why she began the OAC (Oatmeal Appreciation Club). Though Retep started this club only a year ago, it had already become quite popular up until now.

Upon discovering her death, Alex Retep disappeared with his two children.