Dear Sage,

Apparently I got your letter, though it took a few weeks to travel this far. I hate waiting half a month to a month, but that's the price I gladly pay to keep in touch with you. I just wish you wouldn't write me a single page, when I normally give you two or three. But I know you still don't talk about yourself that much.

So, how are the others faring? Has Cye figured out what he intends on taking when he hits college? You mentioned in a month ago he was in love with the ocean...has Cye considered marine biology? If he hasn't, or hasn't thought of it yet...maybe you should mention it to him. If you don't want to say anything, just tell him I told you to.

By the way...if Rowen gives you anymore crap for keeping in touch with me over the summer, tell him I'll be back one day and beat him down for you. You know I'd do it to, just to keep you from his sarcasm and annoying wit. Lord knows we've BOTH been subjected to it throughout the school year! That's ONE thing I don't fully mind being away from! Though I was unable to finish the last few months and wanted to, not getting into a sarcasm match with Rowen has NOT saddened me any!

About the others...tell them I said hi and Kento that I'm doing fine. I know he was kind of broke up in a way about my last day at lunch. Tell them another thank you for the gifts. I still treasure everything you gave me. Thank you for that picture of Mia I asked for. There's a reason I wanted it, though it took me months to do.

As far as me, I think it's still been the same as two months ago. School's going okay although a LOT easier to comprehend with it in Spanish and not Japanese. Homework is a lot easier to deal with, and that's lucky for me being away from Kevin and all.

I THINK I might graduate early, if that talk with my counselor is correct. I guess traveling all over got credits that added up to more than normal high school in some countries. I know your country has more emphasis on school and pushes harder. Same thing with Russia.

Being in those places for so long helped in a way. Not to mention the study groups with Rowen raised Algebra enough to keep me from EVER flunking. The study buddy I have NOW isn't as good, since it's mostly all work and no talk. But I'm trudging through it.

I bet you never expected my first letter only half a month after I left, did you? I'm grinning right now if you can't tell. I was just happy we ALL worked something out. This way, I can finish up high school in one country AND keep in touch with you five. I can't believe that the whole fiasco was what I actually needed to get things straightened out! I'd like to thank you again for everything you've done for me, though I can imagine right now you're waving off my thanks.

I wish I knew what my family is doing right and where they're at. I got a postcard in the mail a day before I got your letter and saw a British address on it, though which part of Britain they're in is anyone's guess. I miss my family, but I'm still surrounded by it. I miss being around Willow as much as I used to, also the same as Kevin. I often wonder what he's doing, if he's working on his major or is at work with my father. Kevin has an uncanny knack at languages...probably due to his mildly photographic memory.

I can't really say I miss my parents...since my aunt Emilia looks a LOT like my mother. I heard another cousin say she always wondered if they were twins in disguise. Kevin's immediate family is as nice as mine, and it's good to see the others again after so long. I haven't been able to see everyone since I was twelve. So you can imagine their shock at seeing a more grown up Epiphany Sundance.

I miss all of you greatly, even though you and I keep in contact. I know you mentioned the others wanted to send letters, but it wouldn't be the same as you and I. This is a special case and I don't want it to change. Sorry...I don't know what I'm saying.

Getting along... I hope you read this first INSTEAD of looking at the presents I sent. If you didn't, well I can't exactly stop you, can I? I bet you're wondering about those pictures, aren't you? They were done during my time in Toyama, just after the party. As you can see, I have a talent in Art and decided to draw you five.

Count yourself lucky. You don't know HOW much I debated with myself over giving you the originals or photocopying them. But it wouldn't be the same and I SUPPOSE I can always redraw them. They're something from me to you. Make sure to give Mia hers when you five go visit her please? Arigatou.

Oh...and the one of me......that's......for you to keep. I did that within a year, so it's still recent. If you don't want it, you can let the others have it if you think I'm being too forward. I just figured, since I don't know when we'll be able to see each other again, I'd give you something to remember me by in case you forget what I look like down the road.

But um...I think you'll be happy with what I have in mind for the future. I intend on taking a sub major in art with a major in Japanese history. I...I'm not doing it for you...but after being in many countries in the world, I can honestly say Japan's got the MOST rich history. I'd like to learn more and - if things work out - teach it to people in Spain. That'd be interesting...teach it to junior high kids or high school. I haven't decided on THAT yet.

I'd like to visit you during the summer if I may...but there's still a LOT riding on high school. In order to graduate early like my counselor said, she talked about me taking a summer class or two. They're a few weeks of intense learning, but we don't know any other details. If it means I can finish high school...I'd do it. Just wish me luck in any case.

I hope to hear from you soon. I keep all your letters and still go through them. I can tell a change in you Sage. I like to think I'm finally wearing you down by a year talking to you, but that might be the hopeful side of me that hasn't seen you our entire senior year.

I guess I should shut up now before I fully embarrass myself - further than I am NOW - and say ja ne. One thing's for sure...I've taken a few Japanese classes in Spain and the language isn't NEAR as fun to learn when I was with you five. I think of you guys when I'm in class. I hope the next time we DO meet, I can surprise you all with how much I've changed.

Always your friend and faithful pen pal,

Epiphany Sundance Marzellos