Mrs Martha Gingerly
1 ½ Plumb Pudding Road

Dear Gertrude;

How have you been these past few weeks? We haven’t spoken since you were last here visiting with us. My apologies if you have been calling only to have nobody answer the phone. I’ve been out a lot, had the ringer turned off, and my hearing aid turned down. I’ve had Roger digging in the garden rather a lot as well, so he wouldn‘t have heard it either. I am so awaiting your next visit.

The reason I am writing is to let you know that you have forgotten something here. It is you diary, and I am mailing it back to you with this letter. Please pay no mind to the scratches around the lock on the cover. This was simply the result of it having been scuffing around under the sofa. Ignore, as well, the coffee stains. I made the mistake of putting it out on my parlour table for safe keeping. Of course you know I would never open your diary. I would never read the two-hundred-forty-seven-and-three-quarter pages on which you have written your deepest secrets.

Now, onto a completely different topic. Do recall those days, many years ago, when we were school girls together? I used to remember them fondly. For some reason I cannot fathom, I found myself being reminded of Chester Morse - you will remember him, he was captain of the football team, my boyfriend. Oh, didn’t we both have a crush on him? You always told me you didn’t like him very much, but I knew you did. I’ve recently come to realize just how much.

From there my mind wandered, rather like the pages of a book, to another time. I was overwhelmed with the memory of the day you gave me your “most valuable possession“, proving how much a friend you really were. You said we were the very best of friends, beyond all material value, do you remember that? And then you said - no, insisted - that I take that very valuable gold and sapphire ring that belonged to your great-grandmother. I treasured it since that day. I have it still. I’ve been thinking that maybe I should have it appraised. Would you like me to inform you of its value when I do?

Oh, and then came my wedding day. I asked you to be my maid of honour. You looked so happy, but then so distressed when I told you the marriage date. You were to be visiting your mother’s family in Cameroon, you told me. Do you recall how crestfallen I was? Oh, silly me, it took years to get over it. But don’t worry, I no longer let it bother me. Do tell me, how is the skiing in Cameroon?

I almost forgot. Also enclosed is a newspaper clipping. It is quite old, so please take care not to tear it any further than it is. Do you recall this? It’s a picture of you accepting the first place award at the international flower exhibition. I was so happy for you, even though I was quite disconsolate over my own entry, which had mysteriously had its petals all bent. Do you remember how the judges all shook their heads and sadly told me that if my entry had not been subjected to so much damage I would very likely have won. Oh, didn’t you and I both thrash that poor cat for having destroyed my chance at winning the international flower exhibition? That poor cat. I feel so bad now - for the cat.

Well, here comes Roger, back in from digging in the garden. He’s all covered in dirt and his hands are rather blistered. I am trying to finish this letter while explaining to him that, no, I do not want the hole filled back in just yet. Anyway, please do come back again soon. And don’t bother to tell anyone where you are going, as you needn’t be around very long.

Your best friend EVER;

Mrs Martha Gingerly

(c) Michael Gallant 2007