Page 110 of Prince of the Northwest Forest
“Personally, I think we should keep doing it. As often as possible.”
“So do I.” He glances around. “But I don’t want to have to explain this to my parents yet. I don’t want to have to hide you …”
“You won’t have to. I’ll be gone until next summer.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“Want to write me old-fashioned letters? I mean, since you guys don’t use cell phones and I can’t talk to animals.”
“Yes,” Kalle whispers against my lips. “I’ll write you.”
Justice,
It’s only been two weeks, but I miss you more every day. I’ve taken to asking your father for cookies, like I was a little kid, just to have some connection to you. I’ve been able to go the whole way across the slackline, but the accomplishment makes me sad, because you aren’t there to make fun of me for how long it took me to do it.
Make it be next summer soon.
Kalle
Dear Kalle,
Same same same. I’ve been distracting myself from how badly I want to see you by doing art. I’ve discovered something called pixel art that you do on the computer. Have you heard of it? Probably not, since computers aren’t really your thing. Still, it’s super cool. I’ve been doing Jails and Jackals characters. I need something to keep me from being fixated on you. I miss you so much.
Love,
Justice
Dear Justice,
I want to see your art. I wish we had computers so I could see what you’re doing. I’msure it’s amazing. It sounds like you’re more into Jails and Jackals than you used to be. Maybe next summer you can teach me and we could play together.
Mother and Father are worried about Mount Pátu. They think it’s going to erupt soon. The oracles sought them out to tell them. At any rate, things are tense here.
I still miss you.
Kalle
My real-life Prince Charming,
When I come to stay for the summer, I’ll help you however I can. But if I’m honest, all I want to do is kiss you. Or more than kiss.
Your one true love,
Justice
Dear Justice,
Your letter got one thing especially right. You are my one true love.
Kalle
After nine long months at school, I’m raring to go to Wakerobin Village and stay with my father for the summer.
And see Kalle. Let’s be real, that’s what I want most.
With my small backpack of clothes, I hike to the village, eager to start my usual summer activities—and some new ones.
But things aren’t as idyllic as when I left. The villagers are scurrying around, closing up windows and packing their belongings.
