12. From the desk of Andrea Jura
CHAPTER 12
From the desk of Andrea Jura
BORGO PIO, ROME
PRESENT DAY
Dear Father Savio,
I’m going to find you today.
At long last, we’re standing on the same soil!!
Rome is beautiful. I haven’t had a chance to explore much, but I already know it’s what I need—a new leaf. A fresh start. Fewer people to hover over me… Though, I’m surprised by how many Italians are aware of who I am. In the airport, I noticed it first. Even the agent managing my apartment recognized me. Annoying. I think I’ll have to wear sunglasses and a hat to shield my face.
Will you recognize me, I wonder? Do you know my name? Have you read one of my books?
It’s funny how you’ve been a part of my life for so long while being totally unaware of who I am. (Either that or you’re just rude.) I’m beyond ready for you to know me as well as I know you.
You can’t be freaked out by how much I’ve gleaned about you over the years. I have a whole file on you now. It’s like a patchwork of different screenshots. Articles here, reports there. Small church newsletters, some pieces you wrote in seminary where you spoke about your relationship with your faith.
Diana knows I’m intrigued by you and she gives me a hard time about it, so I know this collated folder may be a touch unusual. But it was created with the best of intentions.
During my treatment, I needed a way to connect with you without writing to you.
I couldn’t put you through my passing if you do read these letters. I couldn’t put you through, one day, never receiving another because I was dead.
You’ve no idea how much of a lifeline you’ve been to me. You broke up the days and nights of pain I’ve endured. Thoughts of you helped me make it to the finish line.
This letter is a touch obsolete, but I’m going to send it anyway. Maybe I’ll be with you when you tear open the envelope… Maybe I’ll be sitting in your lap…
I can only hope.
I’m still unsure of how to bring about our initial meeting.
Perhaps I should stop by for confession… Do you want to hear my sins, Father?
I’ve often wondered if hearing confession is tedious. I doubt mine would be… Savio.
Yes. Savio.
Now that I’m in Rome, I think we should be on a first-name basis, don’t you?
I’ll be seeing you soon, Savio.
Yours,
Andrea