Dear Suzette,
We were so pleased to have the kids over at our house last weekend. Max was particularly pleased because Teilo was wearing a purple sweatshirt jacket. He was even more pleased when Teilo accidentally left it at our house. I had every plan to walk it over, except I didn't get a chance and left it sitting on the bench in our front hall.
Monday morning: Max is on his way out the door to the school bus when he spots the purple jacket. He wants it. He wants it baaaaaaad. He is still in the throes of his purple obsession. I am weak. I put the jacket on him and off he goes. You should know that I am not typically in the habit of aiding and abetting criminals, just in case you're wondering what kind of a family this is. We are typically an honest, decent family, albeit one that was lacking in purple jackets until Teilo came along. Teilo rocks.
Tuesday afternoon: I am hanging on the porch with the kids. Max has Teilo's purple jacket on again. I am thinking evil thoughts along the lines of, I'll bet Teilo has lots of jackets. Nobody's going to miss this one. Suddenly, you drive by. I gaze at you guiltily, and slink down on the our porch swing. You do not glance our way. I am relieved. I like you and all, but Max is getting a little attached to this purple jacket.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Max wears the purple jacket. When I ask him whose jacket it is, he says, "Max!" I shake my head. "No, Max, it's Teilo's jacket" I tell him. "MAX!" he says, triumphantly.
Tomorrow is going to be a week since Teilo left his jacket here. I fear Max may have a life of crime lying ahead of him if we do return the jacket to its rightful owner. We will make every attempt to walk the purple jacket (washed!) back to you tomorrow. Or on Monday. Or maybe next year.
I hope you'll be OK if Max wears it on the way to your house?
Your neighbor,
Ellen
