Thirteen Short Summers: Chapter V

Close to four o'clock I began to head home. I visited so many little souvenir stores and got gifts for each Liz and Aunt Jennipher.

"The beach?" Aunt Jennipher asked when I got home. She sat in the living room knitting.

"Yes. Hǎitān." I replied " I got you a gift today."

"Oh. Well what is gift?"

I sat down next to Aunt Jennipher on the couch. I put the painted picture frame in her lap. "This is a gift, some call it a present. Lǐpǐn, what you might give to someone on their Shēngrì."

"Oh." Aunt Jennipher smiled. "Thank you, Virginia. Your Chinese is very good."

"Your welcome. I've been studying very hard before we came to Monterey. Where is Liz?"

"Friends? That is how you say?"

"Yes. Ugh, I wish she would come home soon."

I sat knitting with Aunt Jennipher for an hour. Still, no Liz. I decided to make us some Spam and provolone sandwiches for dinner.

"This is very good, Virginia." Aunt Jennipher said, taking a second bite into her sandwich. "Did Jacob show you this recipe?"

"No." I replied, referring to my father Jacob. He is Aunt Jennipher's old brother. He is in Germany right now though. He is going to move Aunt Jennipher and I to Seattle, Washington at the end of the month, rather he's back or not. I'm not quite sure I'll be glad to move to Seattle though.

Before I knew it, it was eight. Aunt Jennipher had already gone to bed. I sat all by myself at the kitchen table with a cup of ice cold water, a ink pen, and my journal- opened to the very first page.

Dear Dad, May 18, 1941 Monterey, California

I hope you are safe. Aunt Jennipher and I are on our second day in Monterey at Liz's(Grandma's). Don't worry, I've been good. I like it here alot. It feels like home. I want to spend most of my time in the water while I'm here.
I have my own room, I think it was Mother's room as a child. The walls are blue, her favorite color. I even have my own table, by the window, overlooking the ocean.
I have learned even more Chinese. Now I can help Aunt Jennipher understand more English. I think Aunt Jennipher likes it here. With the beach, and all the great places to go.
I like Liz. She reminds me of Mother. Her eyes, and the way she walks. She is visiting friends tonight, I hope she gets home soon though.

I miss you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!
Please stay safe ,Daddy.

I'll love you until Nigera Falls,
Virginia

I couldn't help but cry. I missed my Dad alot.

Liz walked in on me crying. "What's the matter?" She asked.

I sat up straight. "I miss Dad so much. I can't help but cry. He's been gone for so long, I can barely remember what he looked like."

Liz sat down next to me. "Everyone these days has someone over seas they miss, but as a nation we have to be strong."

After all the tears were gone I told Liz about the job.

"Well..." Liz said." I guess you can. Let me write a note for Jerry." She handed me the note. "Now, go straight to bed. Leave the house at eight. Jerry opens at nine. Take a sandwich and mind your manners."

"Thank you, Liz!" I cried, I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tight. "Goodnight." I called as I ran up the steps.

"Goodnight." Liz replied.

My own job. Wait till' I tell Aunt Jennipher. I can't wait!