Dart’s brief letter after arriving home shows he’s on the same page as Dot. “I guess we both found out that the words do come pretty hard. After being with you for two days I love you much more than before and hope that we can be together for days and months and years on end in the future.” Apparently their mutual shyness did nothing to douse the flames.

In other news, he appreciates the food she packed for his trip. He was happy to have found a clean, comfy, air conditioned car for the long trip to Ohio. He is touched by her sweet gesture of calling his folks when he left NYC.

He writes of being lonely for her, of imagining her head on his shoulder in the rail car. He fondly recalls how wonderful her family is. And he thanks Dot for “being.”

Dot begins her Independence Day letter by avowing her alligience to Dart. She recalls that 27 hours ago, she kissed him good-bye on the train platform and watched him disappear into the crowd. Ever since then, she has been cursing herself for all the things she didn’t say.

“You’ve made me the happiest girl in the world, Dart and I pray that someday I’ll be able to prove it to you,” she writes. “Regardless of what happens between now and the time I again have the opportunity to tell you in person, remember I love you more than anything or anyone else and nothing can change that, ever.”

I think it’s safe to say this relationship has not only survived, but deepened.