#42

To: Joan
From: Sonny

---

8/12

Dear Joan,

Your letters are such fucking downers. I just about get it in my head that I've heard the last from you, and up you pop like the proverbial penny. (I think that's supposed to be "bad penny," but you're not bad, but a little confused I think.)

Everytime I hear from you, (once every couple of months - In case you've forgotten how infrequently you write!) it's to tell me why you haven't written for so long. Now you want to "re-open our line of communication." Am I supposed to jump up and slaver like a puppy dog because of you magnanimity? Should I be grateful that you're throwing a crumb my way?

If you want someone to stroke you so you can feel better, you're looking in the wrong quarter. The way I see it, I need the stroking.

So, if, as you say, you've sorted out your feelings, then make me feel that you're sincere. I'm down enough just being around here, and don't need you to remind me, by your conspicuous absence, of my situation. 

The next move is yours. If you're going to wait a month or two 'till you get around to answering this, don't waste your time or money as your letter will go to the garbage without being read. 

But if you care... well, I've already said it, it's your move. 

Love,
Sonny

I CARE FOR YOU!