Dear Simon,
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. I guess it doesn’t really mean much because you’re British. Do you even celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? When I met you on Thursday, I guess that was last week, I instantly noticed the starstruck look in your eyes as we were speaking. But at that point, what I didn’t know is that is just how you look. You have very kind and bright eyes. You kind of look like a 6’5″ Princess Diana. You make people feel important when they speak to you. You are a great audience, that’s for sure. Unfortunately we did not get to speak very much at our next crossing, at Dieu de Ciel, as I was a couple seats away from you at a very long table: one that is not so great for conversing with anyone except the people across from you. Lucky for me, you were still in Montreal for your dear older brother’s party last night. I am so happy we got to hang out all night because I think you are such a hilarious and smiley person, just like your older brother, who I adore very much. You two are my Big Friendly Giants: maybe it’s your guys’ towering height, maybe it’s your gentle demeanour, but you both bring out the silly side of me.
Anyways, thank you for all the laughs and a great night together at the party, I certainly learned to respect the DJ that’s for sure.
Now onto the important stuff. I think we have such great potential with our penpal-ship. I am certainly gutted that you and I will be having this long distance friendship from the get-go, but I think that email is going to be a great medium to flourish a very new but nostalgic friendship. Maybe one day we will get to hang out again, in person! Perhaps in the UK, and you can take me for my first full English breakfast, or perhaps in *********, and I can take you for a road trip in my future SUV.
I’ll leave you with this: when I was 7, I went to Mexico with my family to an all-inclusive resort. I don’t remember much given that I was 7, but I do remember a few things. First, there were many iguanas. Second, there was a stage for performances and I got convinced to go up there to perform (with the other kids). Third, I swam A LOT. Fourth, I got cornrows… forgive me, I was 7. And finally, at that resort, there were many other children. I think it’s why I love the movie Aftersun so much. I feel vague waves of déja vu as I watch Sophie during her vacation. Eventually on my vacation, I met a pair of siblings who were from the state of Montana: Cole and Abby. The young girl and I hung out for the rest of the trip and after we said our goodbyes at the end, we exchanged addresses and we started writing to each other. I remember the joy that it would bring me when I would receive mail from her, and now, as an adult, almost 20 years later, you will bring me that joy, but now through our iPads.
Can’t wait to hear back,
Sophia
Third times a charm! 