Chapter 17 noon

How is Catherine? We went into her kitchen and had lunch here at her word.Since I became independent, I have mostly eaten lunch on bar stools, or bought takeout from fast food restaurants.But my mother never liked going out to eat.She said: Why do we spend money on bad food?Her argument fell apart after my father left.We eat at home because we can't afford to eat out in restaurants. Charlie?Honey?She said again: How is Catherine? she's fine.I lied.I actually had no idea how Catherine was doing. Maria is ashamed of you, what's the matter?What did Catherine say? She held up a plate of sandwiches on pumpernickel, roast beef, sliced ​​tomatoes and mustard.The square loaf is cut diagonally into two triangles.I can't remember the last time I saw someone cut the bread for a sandwich like that.

Mom, I say: To be honest, Catherine and I are separated. She stops.Seems to be thinking about something. Did you hear what I just said? Um.She replied calmly without looking up at me.Charlie, I hear you. Don't blame her.All because of me.I haven't been well for a while, you know?because of this What am I going to do?Is it because of this that I want to kill myself?She pushed the plate in front of me. My voice broke: We buried you.You have been dead for a long time. I stare at the sandwich in front of me, these two triangular slices of bread.Everything is different now than before.I whispered.

She reached out and stroked my cheek.Her expression contorted, as if a sharp pain was penetrating her. Things can be changed. □□□ September 8, 1967 Charlie: Do you think my handwriting looks good?I practice typing at work on a Henrietta typewriter.Very fashionable! I know that by the time you read this letter, I will be gone.But before I get too excited about you going to college and forget to mention it, I'll tell you one thing first: I'm proud of you, Charlie.You are the first in our family to go to college. Charlie, you have to treat the people at school well.Be polite to the teacher.I have heard that some college students call the teacher's name directly, I don't think those people are right.You still have to call them Teacher So-and-so by their last name.Also, be considerate with the girl you're dating.I know you don't want my love advice, but you know, just because a girl thinks you're handsome doesn't mean you have a reason to mess around.Be nice to people.

Also, get enough sleep.Josie, a client at my salon, said her son was always dozing off in class when he was in college.You don't insult your teacher in this way.Don't doze off.You are so lucky to be taught, to be able to learn without having to be a shop assistant somewhere. I love you every day. From now on, I will miss you every day. love you mom