February 10
Chapter 28
Dear Penny,
Do you know that you can soothe that sore backside with banana skins? It has been found that the slipper inside of a banana can prove soothing for issues relating to ahem sore backsides. Just thought you could use it to help you with yours.
I have sensed a change in the paradigm of our letters recently Penny and I have to admit that although I do not excel in human emotion or interactions, I can say that this shift pleases me. I also suspect that is pleases you as well. I too find myself smiling more at the prospect of receiving your letters, I find myself holding the paper as you would and the scent that the paper emits is very pleasing. I really cannot comprehend this need to write to you, if has been consuming my free time. I often find myself researching and thinking what you would say if you could see my scribbles on the blackboard at the university common room. I have been asked more than once to vacate the premises so the 'jocks' can play ping pong or darts. Often times if I do not move expeditiously enough, I wind up with dart or paddle marks on my arms or backside (hence my knowledge of the use of banana peels).
I find myself wondering if I could be in a normal high school; maybe attend classes with kids our own age. I never did fit in as a child in elementary school. No one likes a know it all, well at least that is what my momma and Missy (my twin sister) would say. Penny, it isn't that I enjoyed knowing it all, I just did and it came out sounding wrong. I guess I don't know it all, like when to muzzle the need to one up those around me. Now I am barely a teenager and almost finishing college. What will become of my life when I leave the confines of these walls? While I try to comprehend the universe and all it entails, I find there are things I cannot even begin to put a metaphorical finer on.
I keep thinking back to your suggestion of a time machine. I wonder if when it's done I could convince you to go with me somewhere only we know. This could be our secret. I am no good at keeping secrets, so it will be up to you to keep it for us. I get all twitchy and jittery when I try to keep a secret or when I try to lie (not that I lie).
I feel this letter has gotten away from me. The picture of the Flash in your barn caused me stirrings similar to those I felt when my sister got swimming lessons and I didn't get the necessary ingredients to help me create a griffin. I do not know why, the Flash is just a cut out; I do not understand why I would feel somewhat envious of his position perched on your window.
I have written to my Meemaw and told her about our letter exchange and friendship. I also took the time to inquire about her accompanying me to the fair to watch you compete (and win) in the Junior Rodeo Nationals. She has yet to respond, but I am sure that she will acquiesce; she has never let me down. She is one of a very few, that I can count on.
I also found it comical to see you have purchased a Flash T-shirt. It is very aesthetically pleasing on you. I cannot see how your smile could possibly need any help from that t-shirt to make it brighter, your eyes alone do that.
This time I have included a picture of your frisky feline perched upon the window of the observatory at my college. As you can see the stars behind it are very similar to yours, maybe one day we can look up together and I will teach you what each of the constellations mean.
Your friend,
Sheldon Lee Cooper
