A letter to my friend.

My roommate is currently at basic training, she’s going to be a military nurse after graduation. She’s been gone for about ten days now, and I miss her presence so much. Our apartment just isn’t the same without her spunky demeanor. Below is a recent letter I sent her.

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Dear Mari,

Hey, lady,—imagine me singing that like the Led Zeppelin song, even though you probably don’t know what I’m talking about—I miss you. I hope you haven’t died, and aren’t growing mold. It’s been hot here, 110 plus yesterday. Kris is back in town. Today we cleaned the patio, killed one giant black widow and sprayed the fuck out of the dirt areas with spider repellant. This evening we barbecued turkey burgers, baked sweet potato fries, and diced a fresh watermelon—of course we had a couple of drinks, white Russians for the man, bloody Mary’s for me. Tomorrow I have work and Kris is helping my dad with the property, afterwards is the work team builder, and I’m sad you’re not going to be there. Today, our boss told me about her date with her husband. They saw a movie, had lunch, then went home and took a nap. A nap, wink wink. Gross, huh? But, at least they’re in love and still rocking the boat at almost seventy.

We went and saw “Prometheus” yesterday, and I’m going to quote Kris’ Facebook status to tell you what I thought. Kris said, “Just came out of the bathroom, and the only difference between what I created while I was in there and what Ridley Scott created with “Prometheus” is that I simply flushed, and that dickhead charged me eleven dollars to see his.” It was that bad, Mar, just pure shit. The characters weren’t developed; the premise of the story was convoluted. We looked up what the critics had to say after our incredible disappointment and the movie received a 7.7 out of 10. Shocked. Other than a few intense action scenes, the film was almost two hours of repetitiveness, amped up lame lines, and far-fetching emotion. When you get back, please, don’t see it.

However, speaking of movies, I don’t know when you’ll be back, but the local theater is having a Batman marathon in preparation for the new film. You should try and get your man to come up that weekend and go, the date is July 19th. A whole day of Batman nerds in an air conditioned theater with the man you love? That sounds like your perfect day. Well, minus your wedding, of course.

I’ve been thinking about your wedding a lot, and I know I said I would send pictures of things I have found, but I don’t know how to get them from the website to this file. I’m on Kris’ computer, since mine has decided to be an asshole, but know I have found lots of things. We need to sit down and scour Etsy for a few hours when you get back, so many cute dresses, accessories, and bridal party attire. This bridesmaid is totally stoked.

Is basic training all that it’s up cracked up to be—absolute hell? I hope you’re hanging in there, and know I am so incredibly proud of you and the path you’ve chosen for yourself. I get tripped out thinking about how long we’ve been buddies, and how much our lives have changed to reach these points in our lives. You training to be an officer, getting married, me finishing my degree and moving across the country to be closer to Kris. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m so glad that I’ve had you in my life and by my side through everything. Even though you’re miles away and maybe lonely at times, disconnected from your everyday life, know that I love you, and am so damn proud, my friend.

Write soon, if you can. If not, I’ll see you soon. Take care of yourself.

Love Always,

Madelyn Quigley