51
And to tell you I'm sorry
about so many things.

52
I'm sorry I didn 't take
better care of you...

53
...so you never spent a minute
being cold or scared or sick. ''

54
''I'm sorry I didn't
try harder to find the words. . .

55
. . .to tell you what I was feeling.

56
I'm sorry I never fixed
the screen door.

57
I fixed it now.

58
I'm sorry I ever fought with you.

59
I'm sorry I didn't apologize more.

60
I was too proud.

61
I'm sorry I didn't
bring you more compliments. . .

62
. . .on everything you wore and
every way you fixed your hair.

63
I'm sorry I didn't hold on to you
with so much strength. . .

64
. . .that even God
couldn't pull you away. ''

65
Signed, ''All my love, G. ''

66
That is so sad.

67
It's not that. It's just. . .

68
. . .so honest.

69
This could be hundreds of years old.

70
It's typed, Alva.

71
Pretty good.

72
Meaning you wish you'd written it.

73
I'd have e-mailed her.

74
Anyway, I know what you wish.

75
You wish it had been addressed
''Dear Theresa. ''

76
Come on now, Charlie. . .

77
. . .any girl would want
to be loved like that.

78
To be somebody's ''true north''?

79
Are you kidding?

80
Lonely women, particularly?

81
Is that how you see me?

82
Did you talk to anybody on your trip?
Tell any jokes?

83
I had a good time.

84
Really?

85
Came back a day early.

86
I happen to like my job.

87
You're in denial.
You should be writing.

88
You better hope I stick to research.

89
I don't think you can
do your column without me.

90
Ever notice that most people here refer
to me as Mr. Toschi, out of respect?

91
I knew you before
your teeth were capped.

92
I knew you when your step was swift
and your heart was high.

93
Al Giddons, ''Lakefront Winter. ''
Harcourt-Brace, 1 948.

94
Thought I made that up.

95
Hey, Jase! How are you?

96
Hi, Lina.

97
No, sorry.

98
I just was expecting him to call.

99
No, I'm not worried. I just miss him.

100
I know.