LOVE LETTER

Published in The Journal of the Blue Planet February 2003

People’s Exhibit A:

Dear Ronnie,

After so many weeks on the wagon, don’t let this be the morning you fall off, my son. This is the most important day of your life. Don’t let it be the one you get drunk and forget to pick me up—your life depends on it.

You’ve accomplished so much in your life—I’m proud to be your father. Such a shame to cut it short: alcohol has dissolved your insides and stolen your future. Now, exhausted by hours on those machines, you can’t work and your family doesn’t know you. My grandchild is growing up without a father. You’re destroying the ones who love you.

Get your new organs and repair their world. You’re ready; you’ve been typed and matched. You’re special, almost unique; there are so few like you and me. You waste away every day you wait for that rare donor. I can’t let this continue; I can’t watch you die.

I have to help. I’ll aim high so I won’t damage any parts you need. Please be on time; organs don’t stay fresh for long.

Your loving father,

Sidney Coyne

People’s Exhibit B: the canceled checks of the deceased.

The People call Special Agent Andrew North of the FBI forgery laboratory.