For Theo

Theo, let's go back to basics! I never did fall asleep in class and you completed every assignment in your own inimitable style -- No, I didn't and Yes, you did. That's the truth! I have kept every scrap of writing you have written and all my comments. There are memories drilled so deeply into my psyche that not even Alzheimer's could erase them. I have proof of all manner of shenanigans on both our parts and of our relationship that have made these last five years, rusty as they may be in my case, golden. Some years down the road, I will be rocking in my chair, looking out at a dying sun, and you will sneak up on me from behind as you have done so many times and I will know it's you. I will laugh and my heart will sing, the sun reborn. I love thinking of you wearing vests that I once wore, and you should know there will be more to come. We're not done yet, buddy! See you at the Circle K on Almeda!