Riverview doesn't even HAVE a river.

A Story by De'JahVu<3

Riverview, Texas, is an awful place to live. It is gloomy and mountan-y and lifeless. My mother definately doesn't belong here. Judi is a few feet ahead of me, flipping over a thick pancake on the skillet. Whatever.

I know that she's trying to make me feel better, but it isn't helping. I commemorate her for trying, though. She promises things will get better, even though she stuck me in a place where the sun don't shine. (Literally) There is no sun in Riverview, I believe. That's why I keep the blinds closed. All there is outside of our building are a couple prostitutes and maybe a broken fire hydrant. I hate our apartment.

"You alright, sweetpea?" Judi asks, lying a stack of pancakes in front of me. They are coated with butter and drowned in syrup, just how I like it. I don't even want them. The sound of her shoes scoff to outside the door.

"Yeah." I call over my shoulder, trying not to make her feel bad. She looks at me for a second. Judi can tell when I'm lying.

"No."

"Well, I've got something to make you feel better." She lies what appears to be an envelope, coated with hearts and other kinds of crazy colorful designs that make me smile. "Letter from Caleb came this morning."

I don't move.

"On Sunday?" I catch.

"Guess it's special."

I only stare at the letter, my eyes darting from the syrup to the envelope. Judi hovers for a second, waiting to see what its contents were, but figured it'd be best if i was alone. When she retreats to her bedroom to watch All My Children, I decide to open it. Before it's even read, I gape at the doodles and drawings on the page. Butterflies and hearts, stars, and all other sorts of things. It's written in pink. Once my favorite color.

Dear Dayneea,

It's been a long time, hasn't it? Four years is a real long time. You've recently had your fourteenth birthday, and I CANT BELIEVE IT! You are no longer the little girl whose pigtails I struggled with, trying to make them the way you wanted. Remember when I taught you how to ride a bike, and dad blamed me for you hurting yourself? Haha.

Well. lots changed since i seen you, Day. Believe it or not, I'm gonna be a dad. SOON. My girlfriend Effy is in her seventh month and we're so exited. Sure we're young, but i think we can do it. (BTW. dont ever go into an abandoned art room with a boy.) Katy's fine. Not that you care, but she does love you. No matter how much you fight. Remember that.

Im keeping this letter short, but remember, that I love you soooooooooo much. (THIIISSSSSS MUCH) I miss your smile, your laugh, and your attitude. I miss your bright eyes and you waking me up in the morning. I know times have been tough with you and your mom, but cut her some slack girl. She only wants the best for you. And dont pay any attention to dad. We've all been ignoring him lately. I love you, Day. And miss you. Remember that.

See you reallll soooon.

Love, Your oreo,

Your big brother, Caleb Orion Carter.