Letters to the Star Whisperer

-78-

Jane had invited herself over, but Ethan didn't mind. He liked to have someone, anyone, over at the house. He didn't want to feel lonely. He wouldn't sit on the couch. He would sit in the swinging chair, or on the floor with the dogs, but not the couch.

              He didn't tell Jane about it, and didn't want to. Because they met he would have to talk about it. They both watched T.V. not saying a word. His let Jane watch whatever she wanted, but it didn't seem like Jane was all that interested.

              "I saw Aspen today," Ethan told her.

              Jane eyed him. "How is she?"

              He shrugged. "She's there. .. but not there. You know what I mean?"

              Jane nodded. "Every word."

              "I was thinking of something."

              "Oh, you were thinking?" Jane joked. Ethan didn't smile. "Sorry, I joke when I'm sad. Anyways, what were you thinking?"

              "I'm going to write Aspen a letter."

              She was quiet for a moment. "What kind of letter?"

              He shrugged. "I don't know. Aspen made me promise I would write her a letter one day. We were sitting outside on the last day in Arkansas and she asked me too. I said I would. I don't know why she would ask me that. But anyways, she said she loves letters, and I thought it would make her happy."

              "That sounds like Aspen," Jane nodded. "What's the letter going to be about?"

              "I don't know. I'm not good at writing."

              "I'm sure Aspen would like it if you wrote it," Jane insured him. "Do you think I should write her a letter too? I'm sure that would make her happy." Ethan thought about it, and stood up, making the dogs alarmed. His mouth hung open but didn't say anything. "What? Spit it out!"

              "That's it!"

              "What's it?"

              "I have an idea! Aspen has been saying how she doesn't have friends, which isn't true. She was always going on how she thinks everyone secretly hated her, and was just always on it. What if. .. what if we get everyone she knows to write her a letter? Like a happy memory and how much Aspen means to them. What do you think? I mean, that has to make her happy? Right? That has to make her feel better?"

              Jane stared. "It could. .. it could work. But I mean, there's a chance it won't make her happy."

              "We have to try. You can help. You've known her longer and you know all her friends. We can get her mom and dad to help. We can get Joy and Aspen's boss and everyone. I mean, just anyone. What do you think?"

              Jane sighed, but gave a smile. "What the hell? We can give it a try."