A Letter
A LETTER
10 · 30 · 2006
Dear Daisy,
Obviously this is becoming more of a journal than actual letters, but that doesn’t stop me from writing these like I’m talking to you. Especially since things have gotten so busy and we haven’t spoken in weeks. I know we promised that we would do whatever it took to keep in touch, but I think we’re failing. You sounded so distracted the last time we spoke, I hope you’re okay. I hope that Greenville is good to you, that you really have made all the right friends and you’re happy.
I really need you to be happy, Hero. Because if I even get a whiff that you’re not, I’m driving out there and bringing you home.
So this might come as a surprise because I didn’t tell you when we last spoke. There’s a good reason—you would have tried to change my mind and I would have let you.
I’m training to be a firefighter.
I know, I know. Am I crazy? Maybe, who the fuck knows. There was an incident on campus and the firefighters showed up. Turned out, there wasn’t actually a fire, but watching them work? It was incredible. They’re just regular people voluntarily running towards a burning structure to save people all at the risk of their own lives. Then last year, there was a crazy pile up on the freeway and I watched the entire thing on TV with Poppy. Did you know that firefighters do so much more than just put out fires? They do all of the dangerous shit that cops can’t or won’t. Hanging off a building or saving someone from a crushed vehicle. They do it all.
And I decided that I wanted to do that.
Definitely call me crazy, because I signed up with FDNY. They promised that it’s going to be grueling and take a lot out of me. It’s a good thing I’m still only working part-time with Dad, or I’d never pass these tests. Can you believe I have to do a written and physical test to be eligible? You know how much I hate tests.
I haven’t told the family yet and I’m a little nervous to do that. Wish you were here to help me figure out how to have this conversation. You know that Nonna is going to give me a lecture and Dad will be upset. Poppy might be the only one who’ll handle this without losing his head. Who knows.
Now I’m wondering how you’d react if I did tell you. Would you be proud or angry with me, Hero? Maybe you can tell me one day, once I get certified.
With everything that I am,
Rafferty
PS. I found a bunch of pressed flowers when I went home this week. Made me miss you even more.