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From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: I’m still alive
My flight got delayed, and then arriving was this huge ordeal. It took me almost half a day to get the car keys I needed because of some bullshit with my license. Anyway… I’m here, I’m alive. I don’t know if I told you, but I rented a house by the sea. It’s a little old, and it needs some urgent repairs, it’s almost falling apart, but the place… I wish you could see the sunset with your own eyes, Ginger…
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: I’m still alive
Is everything okay, Ginger?
I haven’t heard anything from you…
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: Me too!
Sorry, these days have been a little chaotic with last-minute Christmas shopping, holiday meals, enough cards to paper a bedroom, and family stuff in general. You know how it goes. I’m glad you made it in okay, Rhys.
By the way, don’t forget to send my song.
I want to hear it again…
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: Ginger’s song
Wish your parents and your sister a Merry Christmas from me. When I was there, I got so distracted with everything else, I forgot to say it. They were really nice. I hope you enjoy the holidays, Ginger. Here’s the song.
I start my new job tomorrow.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: RE: Ginger’s song
How was it? Your coworkers cool?
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: RE: RE: Ginger’s song
Yeah, all good. It’s summer here, so there’s a lot going on. The place isn’t that big. It’s close to the beach. It’s called Byron Bay. It’s touristy and full of people at this time of year. Can you believe there are people who go to the supermarket and walk down the street barefoot? It’s different from anything you and I are familiar with. I don’t know, I’ve got this feeling I’ll end up staying here longer than I thought.
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: A new beginning
Happy New Year, Ginger Snap. I don’t remember if you told me what plans you have today, but I hope you have fun. Here, we’re the first people to wish everyone a happy New Year. I like starting it off knowing you’re there on the other end of the ocean and the screen, on the other end of everything, basically, although that doesn’t mean you feel far away. Sometimes I think it’s the opposite. Maybe miles aren’t what really separates people or brings them together.
I didn’t do much, honestly. Just worked late and drank a little with some guys who were at the bar and live nearby. I walked home looking at the moon. Asking myself what this new beginning will bring us.
Maybe nothing will change.
Or maybe this year will be very different.