Chapter
Two
Dear Leah,
This is the first of my many letters to you. How are things in
Chippewa Falls since I left? Are your parents still mourning my
parents? What a stupid question. Of course they are. But are they
still upset at me for leaving instead of rebuilding like everyone
expected me to? I wish they would understand Leah. I couldn't
stay and rebuild. I couldn't take my father's place...I'm not him
and never will be. I'm like my favorite Uncle Larry. I'm a
wonderer. I'm meant to wonder the world and maybe then...after
I've seen what I'm meant to see...I'll return...but then again,
maybe I won't. All in all I have to follow my heart and my heart
told me to leave Chippewa Falls and head out for the horizon.
Some may say I'm running away from the pain of losing my parents,
but that's not so. The pain follows me wherever I go. No matter
how far away from Wisconsin I am and right now I'm very far away.
I'm in Santa Monica, California.
I got here by stowing away on a train(not something I recommend
you to do by the way. It's quite hard and very dangerous, but
don't worry. I'm fine as you can see. Leah, it's gorgeous here.
There's palm trees everywhere and the beach is gorgeous. The blue
ocean stretches out for miles. But the best part about Santa
Monica is the pier. There's a roller coaster and tons of booths
for tourists. There's this man here who rents out a horse for
people to ride and you can ride right in the surf. It's a great
experience Leah. If you ever come up this way you should try it
out. You'd love it.
You'll be happy to hear that I've made my first move at being a
world famous artist. I set on the pier, drawing portraits for ten
cents a piece. It's not much money, but it does put food on the
table and gets the name Jack Dawson out there. Mark my words
Leah, I'm on my way.
Well I'll let ya go now. I'll write again soon.
Love Jack