Page 14 of The Exception to the Rule

Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day

I do. Today was a shit day.

But whatever. I’m curious to know if you moved and how you’re doing.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: February 14, 2019

Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day

I did move. Pretty far, tbh. I’m doing ... okay. I was really homesick at first, but I’ve made some good friends. I also have my [sport redacted] teammates ... I think you’re an athlete, too, so you know there’s a built-in social circle there, which has been good.

I think the hardest thing for me is figuring out what I want todo. Everyone coming into college with us knows exactly what they want to do with their lives. Like, my roommate is obsessed with guinea pigs and volunteers at practically every animal shelter in this city. She will absolutely end up working with animals in some capacity and has always known that. I like a lot of things, but I don’t LOVE any one thing. It feels scary, you know? To worry I might commit to something because I have to but not because I love it.

Why was today a shit day?

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: February 14, 2019

Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day

My youngest sister had a guinea pig growing up (named Freckles, I figure pet names are exempt from the name rules, also she died like 7 years ago and has no online presence) and the rest of us were deeply uninterested in holding Freckles or having anything to do with her. But then we realized Sister #3 was allergic and instead of finding another home for her, ourparents moved Freckles into Sister #2’s room, and even years later Sister #2’s room smells like rodent bedding. This injustice has been brought up at many a family dinner.

Anyway, I get that feeling of pressure about choosing a major immediately. I came in thinking I knew what I wanted to do and pivoted last year (sophomore) to something related but different, and it was fine. I feel like there’s this expectation that you’ll come in at 18 and know exactly what it is you’ll do for the rest of your life, but it isn’t realistic. Luckily my three sisters went through it first and reassured me that it didn’t matter that much. Do it at your own pace.

And today was shitty because I ended things with the girl I was seeing, and one of my sisters was in a car accident. She’s okay, but banged up, and it sucks not being home for that stuff.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: February 14, 2019

Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day

Shit I told you I have three sisters. I hope I have not broken the rules per D&P.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: February 14, 2019

Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day

It’s fine, I told you I have a younger brother. But omg that’s scary about the car accident. I totally get wanting to be home for that stuff. I have a little bit of a similar situation here. My mom is fine but had a lumpectomy in November for Stage I breast cancer, and it sucked not being there. Winter break was good for some Mom cuddles and hang time, but then coming back here where it’s freezing is hard.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: February 14, 2019

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