After the Island

The Letter

To Jack,

It has been many years since we have ever communicated and the first time in a civilized manner. I won't be sweet about this with "how are you"'s and "how is school these day"'s. I'd much rather be honest. I did this for more therapeutic reasons for my tainted brain. I thought the court case would have cured my trauma, however worsened it when Roger, you, and those other savages walked out innocent due to 'a lack of evidence.' So cold it was. How quiet you were. Why did you do what you did? Why did you allow them to kill off Simon without you calling them off and let Piggy to fall without reaching your hand out to help? Do you still clench onto those specs of his or discarded them? I know children don't always stay the same when becoming adults, however I saw you grew into an unforgivable on that island. I'm surprised that the public is not asking these questions as well, however this was easily smothered by present news about the nuclear war which cannot be blamed at all. During that time my father did not contact us at all after I returned and being told of his death by a commie soon after made everything doleful. If you don't write me back then it would show me you're a coward; if you do then it would show me that you still have emotions.

,Ralph

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Dear Ralph,

My apologies for not responding to you any earlier. You should be lucky that I decided to respond to you a year later rather than never at all. I was hesitant due to being tired of being sent letter after letter relating to the island, mainly from Piggy's Auntie. I'm happy at least that it came from you, Ralph. I oddly find you a better conversationalist than anyone else. Don't know why, but you just come off as such. Anyhow I did feel very sorrowful for the victims of this event. I returned to civilization almost perfectly, I assume you did as well, however fellow hunters did not. Especially Rodger. The war paint never washed off of him. You should have seen the papers explode after what he did. They say he went ballistic after an argument with his wife-to-be and enacted what he always wanted to do to you on her. Poor thing. She was months before making him an undeserving father too. I'm grateful I never did anything like that. However I still feel guilt for having thought about it back then. For having displayed those pigs in such a manner and allowing blood to cover my hands.

I know you may not care to hear, but my studies have been just fine and I have connected back to the church with much more faith towards the Lord than ever before. I continue singing whatever hymn he asks for, even though it cannot be in C sharp anymore. Sorry to hear about your old man. You should be proud that he died in an honorable battle than in something unrememberable. My hands can write so little yet I have so much to tell. They cramp up real easily due to me recently writing well graded assignments. Mind talking face-to-face about the matter more in depth over tea? I shall send more information when you respond. I don't care much if you do. I could spend that time with many other colleagues.

Sincerely, Merridew

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To Jack,

Not that much has changed after these ten years with you, Jack Merridew. Still arrogant as always. I oddly admire it since I wish I had enough pride to blind myself from my faults. Enough with my backhanded comments. I'll take you up on your offer. I think it would be a fun trip. All I hope is I won't regret this.

,Ralph

P.S. Promise me that if I ever leave you alone to go to the latrine I won't be greeted by the sight of you chanting while holding a pig's head. Thank you.