Someone commented on God the kid looks so sad asking if I was going to continue it and the answer is yes absolutely I'm just fighting through some writers block but I do have half of the next chapter written and I thought I'd share a snippet just in an attempt to nudge open the floodgates in my tired little brain ________________________________________________ Roy only has to much self-restraint. Turns out when you let a kid sob into your chest, you fucking care about them or some shit. Or that’s what he tells himself as he bangs on Jamie’s door on their one day off. “Roy?” Jamie says confused as he opens the door. “Yeah, its fucking me” Roy says pushing past Jamie with bags in his hands. “What are you doing here?” “I’m making you lunch.” “You what?” Jamie asks trailing behind Roy as he walks into Jamie’s kitchen and starts unpacking his shopping bags. “I’m making you lunch” Roy repeats. “You’ve lost weight” “Just a little” Jamie says blushing slightly. “Enough that I noticed” Roy points out pulling out a bag of potatoes and a bag of brown rice.

Dearest Ralphie Boy,

To be honest.... I'm starting to think I do might know him! So now I'm wondering if he recognizes my name, let me know! Of course, California is a big state, not as big as Texas which I'm told, if you want good barbecue... That's the place to go. It is a shame about the passport deal... I hope you all get it sorted because I'd think you'd have a marvelous time here! If only for the food. California is the place for Mexican food as well, how are you with spice? I ask that, but I'm actually kinda horrible at it. My dad definitely has a higher tolerance for it, so whenever he claims something is spicy.... I don't believe him. I just don't.

Ahhh. Podcasts. Some of those are good! It's sort of like... Did you have those radio shows back home? It's kind of like that, it really depends, but basically audio shows or plays that one puts on the internet, could have a theme, sometimes interviews with celebrities and the like, or just discussion. But be wary if it's just a group of men that have a microphone but overall shouldn't. Do not listen. They have nothing noteworthy to say.

Haha, yes, you can let him just read what I wrote. I wouldn't want him to take it out on the messenger. Yve from California says it's GIF and will figuratively die on this hill, Scott! I said what I said.

There's nothing wrong with that! Life is too busy and sometimes too draining that a quick and easy meal is just what we need, you know? I like that kind of mac and cheese myself, my go to lazy meal.... Sometimes just a bowl of cereal. Or lately, I've rediscovered my love of hot dogs. Terribly American, I know. But, a beef hot dog on a skillet with some melted butter, grilled and then in a bun with your choice of toppings? It hits the spot. Especially if I cut up a potato and fry it with some oil on a skillet. Potatoes are a big thing for me, I love them. Mashed, baked, fried, roasted, I'll have it. Salted butter and a sprinkle of sea salt, or if fried, with ketchup. Again. Very American.

You really should try some barbecue. My go to would be the chicken, beef ribs ( sometimes pork, but, I'm a beef gal ) and either a tri tip or, there's one restaurant that does brisket burnt ends and it sounds weird but it's the most tender meat you'll ever taste.

God, we're quite wordy, aren't we? And usually over food. But since we're talking about food, what's your favorite dessert? Might as well.

Warmest Regards, Yve

Dearest Yve,

I hope it is not too forward to echo your sentiments back to you!

I am rather wary of spiced foods, admittedly. Especially after my friends gave me a meal that I later learned, when I looked at the menu for myself, that it had four peppers next to it, would you believe! I should have known something was afoot when they all had their phone cameras out. Rest assured, I shall seek my revenge! And I have learned to never let other people order for me.

Oh, a radio show! That could be fun. Victoria always said I had a face for radio, but that makes no sense at all, you can't see the faces of radio hos- Oh. I think I understand what she was trying to say, now.

I am writing these instructions down to try a true American hot dog! And ah, yes. The potato. So versatile, so universally loved, and yet so humble. One can only aspire to be at one with such a wondrous foodstuff.

I do tend to ramble quite a bit, especially when I am in especially pleasant company or I am talking about something I enjoy. And here I am, experiencing both! Normally this is the part where I would apologise for being "too much", as my... *ahem*, darling sister would describe me. And yet, you speak as freely as I do! How marvellous. To answer you, I've always had an especially sweet tooth. Mother never allowed me to have my favourite chocolate cake as a child, but now that I am a wage-earning adult, I can buy all the cake I want! It doesn't even need to be my birthday! This is truly living.

Warmest regards,

Ralph