Letters To James

Chapter #9

“Hello, this is Marlene speaking”

“Hi” James responded nervously. “My names James Yammouni from - ”

“If you’re from some company wanting us to buy something the answers no” She interrupted.

“I’m not” He said reassuringly. “I’m actually here to ask about a girl called Elsie who apparently lives here”

There was a short pause. “Where did you say you were from again?”

“Melbourne” James decided not to mention the group name. The pranks and things they did weren’t appropriate and Marlene probably wouldn’t let him even phone her again.

“How do you know Elsie?” She asked coldly.

“I was in Scotland a few weeks ago and a box of letters arrived at my hotel” James explained. “They were from a girl called Elsie and she mentioned your family in one of them”

“She’s not here”

“What?”

“Elsie’s no longer here” Marlene repeated. “She’s in hospital”

“Why?” James stomach felt empty, like there was something really wrong.

“I hardly know you, so I’m no longer giving you any information” She said firmly and the only sound left was the loud beeping.

James sighed heavily and turned his phone off. He reached out for the ninth letter.

Dear James,

 

I got the all clear to go yesterday and I had my first night with my new family. Marlene is an excellent cook – way better than those ones at the hospital. She cooked up a chicken with heaps of vegetables and it felt so homely. Hospital food tastes soggy.

I no longer see the point in writing these letters anymore. They were written for my hard times and now I’m happy. But I’ll continue to write so you know how I feel. I think you’ll be happy to watch me thrive.

Love from,

Elsie.

There was no information about Elsie except she had a new family. Maybe the answers in the next letter James thought to himself.