Dear Mr. Hawkeye,
I'm dreadfully sick. I think it is either tonsillitis or the flu or maybe something even worse. And it's all Miguel's fault! Well, at least indirectly. The other day he invited me and another guy from college, Wayne Dunlap, to his grandmother's anniversary. She lives in a nursing home; last summer Wayne and I worked there as volunteers. The old lady grew on us – she was very kind and sweet so we decided to attend the birthday party.
In hindsight, I realize that I should've declined the invitation as politely as possible. Because it turned out to be a rather depressing evening – one of the nursing home's residents died the night before and another had a severe asthma attack during the party. And on top of all, that they served us menudo – which is apparently a traditional Mexican soup made with beef stomach (aka disgusting tasting guts). Normally I like Mexican food but this was absolutely not my cup of tea, so to speak. Worst part was that I couldn't offend Miguel's abuela by refusing to eat it. She was already upset by the previous events. The evening dragged on and on and I couldn't just leave because it would've been rude; really felt like a hostage at one moment. For a wild second the thought of jumping out of the open window looked disturbingly tempting. On the bright side – Wayne seemed to enjoy himself. He even liked the soup! As for me, I'm seriously considering a vegan lifestyle now. If presented with the choice – I would prefer raw carrots and cucumbers to some guts anytime.
And know what else? Miguel told me that Guillermo's gang took apart the red Dodge Challenger, the one which helped me win one of my street races. I loved that car and those vultures stripped it clean! :(
Oh, and on the way back from the nursing home I got caught in the heavy rain. Of course I forgot to take an umbrella with me. Guess who got drenched to the bone and didn't have a dry stitch on when that moron got home? So there you go – a high temperature and every other symptom of a bad cold as a result. Did you ever hear of such a discouraging series of events?
In other related news that has had our apartment complex buzzing for several days now – Carol Peletier's ex-husband got full custody on their daughter Sophia. He is moving to another state and taking the little girl with him. What a bastard! The man is doing that solely to get revenge on Carol for divorcing him. I saw Ed Peletier once when he came to see Sophia and didn't like him a bit. Dale told me that Ed used to abuse his wife on a daily basis before she finally got fed up with him and had the courage to file for a divorce. The scumbag didn't give her a single cent when they separated. That's how Carol came to live here. Poor woman is devastated. What stupid court would support that monster of a man and trust him with a child?!
All the tenants of our apartment complex are outraged by the whole situation – Daryl most of all! I think the man would've gladly smashed Ed's head in with something heavy if he had a chance. And I don't blame him. By the way, Dale is convinced that the younger Dixon and Carol are dating. As a matter of fact they do seem to be pretty close lately…
Speaking of Daryl, he is acting strange. The man has developed a sudden love for sleeveless shirts. Nothing unusual of course, but it's the middle of October, for God's sakes! And he is actually wearing all those sleeveless shirts with a vest. What kind of logic is that?! I'm worried for him. Moreover, it's a bit distracting too. Especially when Daryl started to perform some of those fancy yoga exercises on the balcony. Yet another of his new habits. It looks like the man quit smoking and has taken to supporting a healthy lifestyle. I think it creeps the hell out of Merle. Heard them arguing about the "Zen bullshit", to quote the elder Dixon.
And for the first time in my life, I kind of agree with the douchebag. I can't concentrate on my homework because of Daryl and his damn yoga (yea, I still didn't get those much needed curtains). Yesterday he noticed my staring and waved at me – that was unexpected, to say the least. I felt so awkward that I actually wished for the ground to open up and swallow me at that very moment. It's embarrassing to admit but I often find myself drooling by the window instead of paying attention to my French grammar textbook. Does it make me gay? I'm starting to question my sexuality lately.
Maybe I should test this theory with some hot girl? Someone like Amy Harrison – the younger sister of Andrea Harrison from the sixth floor. Should've asked her out when I had a chance. Amy is a real beauty with all that silky blond hair and impeccable skin... no wonder the girl quit college and moved to the West coast, I think she wants to become an actress or something. Andrea was furious and upset by her sister's decision. Dale is trying his best to comfort her. I suspect that the old man has a weak spot for Andrea. Sadly she doesn't seem to appreciate it.
By the way, remember our new tenant, Rick Grimes – the one that stuck in the elevator? Well, he turned out to be quite a nice fellow after all. And the man is good at connecting with people – even Dale and Mr. Greene seem to respect him. Of course, not everyone was glad to see him. Merle, for instance, had a bit of a brawl with Rick the other day. Something involving choke holds that Daryl considered being illegal. And then there is Shane, who obviously wasn't happy about his best friend's return from the dead (according to Dale). I myself wouldn't have guessed that on my own because if Walsh really is upset by anything, he puts on a very convincing brave face.
Rick is eager to get back to his old work as a police officer. Lori strongly disapproves of that. I guess his work was one of the main issues they had before he joined the Army. And it looks like Grimes hasn't yet adjusted to the normal civilian lifestyle. He told me that he misses his comrades-in-arms, especially some guy by the name Morgan Jones. Rick has daily phone-talks with him. I'm beginning to suspect that he misses that Morgan dude more than he ever missed Lori during his service. Rick is actually trying to convince his friend to leave the suburbs and move to Atlanta with his son Duane and wife Jenny.
Ok, enough with the vulgar gossip. Not feeling well and I should read some Homer before my bedtime. Not the Simpsons, but the blind guy from ancient Greece. Quite amusing stuff once you get used to the hexameter verse.
You know, maybe it's the flu or the rain outside, but I kind of feel homesick right now. Miss my family and Michigan. :(
Yours, terribly lonely, miserable and sore-throaty, Glenn Rhee