Dear Francie Nolan,
It was nice meeting you. I am also an avid reader. But, Francie, how could you read one book a day? In all these years I have read, the fastest I was able to finish was to read this book in two and half days. You are right though, librarians should show more interest in us. They have a grand opportunity to spend their day amongst books and know so much about them. So sharing a bit of their happiness and knowledge with others is seriously not too much to ask.
I admire your perseverance Francie. Your school was a scary place. How could a teacher possibly ignore your request to let you go to the washroom? That's just plain wrong and mean too. And to let those other girls and boys to go out during the class is just favorism. Good for you to find yourself a different place, a nicer place to get your education.
You are a lucky kid, Francie. Your dad, despite his dependencies, was a gentle, kind man. Oh how he tried to be a good dad. I laughed with you when he fell in the water. You kids must have found it hilarious. Good for you not to laugh in his face. He was a proud man. He never wanted to drink so much. But he was not strong to face life. All the while he was hurting and hurting badly. He thought he was not a good father for you and Neeley. That's why when he heard of the third being on its way he solemnly decided to change. Pity, his attempt to change ended so badly. I wish I had known him for a bit longer. I wish he had stayed. I just loved his character so much. You know Francie I think you have so much of your Dad in you; your imagination for one. You would have become the biggest liar if you had not listened to your English teacher's advice to write. :)
All the strength your dad lacked your mom had. She was the woman of steel. She had the courage to pull the trigger on that pervert. And you know what, don't blame her for knowing everything --being a wise one. You are becoming one too. And you don't want your child, cause I am sure you will be a mother one day, to hate you for it. Most women have this trait. It's called intuition. Embrace it, Francie!
Having two charismatic aunts, Sissy and Evy, is a blessing. I never had one. Thanks for sharing their stories, Francie. But, in all honesty, did Sissy's "John", Steve, really believed that the little baby was his? It was a bit too much to believe that she was pregnant, despite showing no physical sign of it.
You had a good life. And I had a good time reading about your life. As you turn around to depart Williamsburg, Brooklyn, by the way your love for Brooklyn inspires me to visit it, and as you say good bye to your old self, I believe so much of what you will become in the future will be because of the Francie you are saying good-bye to. I want to know the rest of your story; I want to know what happened to Laurie. Did she become a spoiled brat?! Yes, you and Neeley had a good life. I, too, feel sorry for Laurie who cannot take in the pleasures of having a hot chocolate with marshmallow, a special treat, in life.
Good-bye Francie! Have a good life!
