"Because it's full of your dreams"

18 January 2009
Washington, DC

[Unsent]


Dear Long Lost.

      I spent a few hours tonight editing Southern Cross and smiling to myself. It brought back so many of our little memories together. Do you remember that Murano bottle stop I bought you in Italy? Isn’t it funny how such a small thing could inspire such a big story? You don’t even know about Southern Cross, or at least not by that name. It’s the story I told you about; the one where I turn you into a piece of fiction. I can still remember you saying that you liked the way that sounded.

      It’s the story of what might have been, and it’s full of your dreams and Sonoma’s soil. That’s why I love it so much. Not because it has you in it, nor because I get to imagine different lives for us, but because it’s full of your dreams, and especially Sonoma’s soil. Can’t you close your eyes and feel it? The sun beating down on those rows of grapes? Can’t you see the winery in all its rustic oak and glory? I swear, it’s as real to me as any other place I’ve been. I know it like the back of my hand, too. I only hope that one day I can truly share it with you. And have you understand.

      You used to be so good at understanding.

I rest my head in your hands,
      --