Fourth Grade Pen-Pals

Chapter Six /Sean/

Dear Vanessa,

Thanks for writing back. Means a lot.

Your friend,
Sean

++++

I glanced up at the picture on my desk, it was of my parents and I during our trip to Nashville over the summer. My heart felt like it was aching- like it was on fire, and all I wanted to do was scream and cry. This entire month, I've been anticipating writing back to Vanessa, it's been rough.

My mom was diagnosed with cancer last month, and all I've done is eat a little, and sleep most of the time. I felt terrible about how Vanessa had written me letters- four or five- and I never replied. I just put them on my desk, never even opening the envelopes.

There was a knock on my door and I pulled my head up from the desk, and my dad walked in, car keys swinging from his fingers.

"Hey, kiddo. I'm taking your mom to chemo... we'll be home around four. Need anything while we're out?"

"Uh, yeah. Could you drop Vanessa's letter off at the post office? I really need to get this too her," I sigh, handing him the letter.

"Sure. I'll see you later tonight, bud."

"See you, dad," I wave him off as he closes my door and walks downstairs to help my mom.