Page 3 of Letters From Avery
There’s a new guy named Thomas that just got in here. He’s doing three years for some drug shit, but he’s really smart. He’s read a whole shit ton of books like you, and was thinking if you send me a list of some of your favorites, I can see if maybe he’s read them. If he has, then maybe he wouldn’t mind telling me about them so then I would at least have some idea what you are talking about when you mention random book characters in your letters.
You don’t have to, of course. It was just a thought.
I hope you are doing well. Any plans for Halloween/the holidays?
Your friend,
James
INMATE #4226
Emberford Department of Corrections
8634 Inverness Blvd - Emberford
Dear James,
Merry Christmas, even though you’re an atheist. I guess, Happy Holidays? I think it’s all a crock of crap. This is probably a stupid question, but do they decorate for the holidays in there? I guess they’re probably not hanging up a bunch of garlands and trimming a tree in the courtyard, but I would imagine they should do something for the religious people, right? Is that a thing?
It’s snowing like crazy out here. Do they still give you yard time when it’s crappy outside? Work is going as well as work ever does. Connie quit, but as we’ve talked about, that was a long time coming. I’m now officially the most senior employee of June’s. Lucky me!
Did you ever find out what happened to that one guy that died in Cellblock F? I still have seen absolutely nothing about it on the news, and it’s driving me crazy. You know I’m a sucker for the drama. Stop holding out on me!
Speaking of holding out on you, I feel like I probably should have told you sooner, but I figured you should know that I’m gay. I guess I was a little nervous to tell you in case you stopped writing to me. Now I don’t have to feel bad about not telling you for almost a year.
Sorry.
Avery
Avery
4077 Boulder Crest Lane
Uptown, Emberford
Dear Avery,
That’s a tough question, one I don’t think I can help with. My parents and I never really had the best relationship. I was always closer to my dad than my mom, but heartfelt conversations were few and far between in my household. My mom has always been pretty straightlaced and didn’t like anything ugly. So, hard subjects were usually avoided.
I honestly don’t know what their reaction would have been had I ever told them about myself. I thought about telling them, but I don’t think I was actually sure about my sexuality until I’d already been convicted. I’ve been around pretty girls my entire life, but none of them ever turned my head like the male cheerleaders they started allowing on the squad during my senior year of high school.
I’ll tell them eventually, I’m sure. But, for now, they’re dealing with enough family shame as far as I’m concerned.
It would be an easier mountain to climb with a cute boy like you on my arm when I told them. I think you’re gonna be just fine. I know what an amazing person you are just from the notes we send each other. I can’t imagine your own parents, who get to see you all the time, would think any different.
No matter what happens, whether you tell them or not, I’ll still be here! As long as you keep sending me hope, I’ll never stop replying.
Let me know if you decide to come out to them or not, and how it goes. As always, I’ll be looking forward to your next letter.
Your friend,
James
INMATE # 4226
Emberford Department of Corrections
8634 Inverness Blvd - Emberford
