Free Punkzilla by Adam Rapp Page A

six inches since he got the news. He even went on a date last week. He took this nice young woman from the neighborhood to go see
American Gangster,
with Denzel Washington and that Australian actor your father likes so much. Afterward they went miniature golfing and had cheesecake at that little late-night café by the library. When he came home, his head was in the clouds and he seemed pretty smitten. I think he’s in love, and your father enjoys teasing him about it.
    I have been spending most of my time fixing up the basement. I just had the new paneling installed, and the carpeting is going to be put in tomorrow. Your father wants to get a pool table, and we already ordered a flat-screen TV and an entertainment system. It’ll be a good place for you boys to blow off steam when you’re home from school.
    So the main reason I’m writing, Jamie, is to let you know that your father and Edward and I are definitely coming down for Parents Weekend. We’re planning on staying in town, at the Comfort Inn. We’ll arrive Saturday morning, attend the Parents Welcome Brunch, walk around a bit — I know your father and Edward want to hit the golf course for a round — and then we would love to join you for the movie in the dining hall that evening. I understand they’re showing
Pearl Harbor,
which has that wonderful English actress in it, Kate Beckinsale (I think your father has a crush on her!). Then we’ll let you have the rest of the night to yourself and join you again for Sunday brunch and chapel and the football game. We’ll probably head back to Cincinnati after that, but you’ll no doubt be sick of all the doting at that point.
    Maybe when your father and Edward are golfing, you and I could take a walk and just catch up one-on-one. I’d love to know what’s on your mind with regard to your future. I know you hate talking about that stuff, but a gentle conversation on the subject might be good for both of us. I promise I won’t push too much, scout’s honor.
    Anyway, we’re very much looking forward to spending some time with you, Jamie. I can’t wait to see this short haircut!
    Love,
    Mom
    P.S. I’m enclosing a picture of Edward and your father at the lake house. Can you believe the size of that fish?

October 17 th , 2007
    Son,
    Your mother informs me that you have decided to be a cynic and not answer her letters. You should know that she is heartbroken about your choice to discontinue your correspondence. The few replies you’ve written to her since heading to Buckner have given her great joy. I hope you will consider picking up the pen again and letting her know how you are doing.
    Speaking of your progress, I have recently been in communication with the commandant’s office, and Colonel Stoops tells me that though you have shown some improvement on the drill field, you are still very much behind the others. Son, I would urge you to take the initiative and put some extra time toward it. Colonel Stoops assured me that if you made a formal request to your first sergeant, he could arrange procuring a rifle for you from the battalion logistics officer — I believe the cadet’s name is Captain Voskul. An extra hour a day working through the
Fifteen Count Manual
movements will definitely pay dividends. I know you are more than capable of excelling in this environment. The damn stuff is in your blood and in your bones, and we all know how smart you are. Those Buckner entrance exams don’t lie. So please go knock on your first sergeant’s door and make an effort.
    As your mother told you in her last letter, she and I and your brother Edward are going to see you in a few weeks, at Parents Weekend. I look forward to visiting with you and hearing how things are progressing.
    Love,
    Dad

March 7, 2008
    Dear P,
    Today has been the shittiest day of my life.
    I’m writing to you from the backseat of a Lincoln Town Car. There’s this really old lady in the front seat whose one eye keeps leaking. I don’t think