Dart announces there’s a new order around here and he will be going to bed in 20 minutes, whether this letter is finished or not.

He tells Dot that last night he typed her a four-page letter, but he was in such a foul mood that he decided the pages were better sent to the furnace instead of placed in the mail. He fears his thoughts would have caused her needless worry and may have hurt her unintentionally. That begs the question “Then why even tell her the letter existed?”

One contributor to his mood was the fact that he didn’t finish even a third of the school work he’d intended to accomplish over break. Today brought the biggest accomplishment of his entire vacation – he cleaned his room! He’d be ashamed if she could see the piles of dirt, junk, and waste paper that he hauled down to the furnace today, but now he hopes the order in his room will allow him to work more efficiently.

He worked last night at the PD, but has begged off tonight. That will screw up his pay, but her just had to get a decent night’s sleep before heading back to school tomorrow.

He ushered  both services today. Even with extra chairs, there was not a single open seat at either 9:00 or 11:00. Between services there was a light breakfast served to the ushers, choir, deacons, and minister. He loves the friendliness of this place. He said that he felt more a member of the church this morning than he has since the teen parties last fall. He wonders if that’s responsible for his change in mood.

Saturday was beautiful, reaching 79 degrees and bringing open windows, shirt sleeves and summer dresses.  Even though it rained in the evening, by the time he left work, there was a huge bright moon grinning at him.

His mother thanks Dot for the beautiful Easter flowers that look so nice on the mantle in front of the mirror. Helen hopes to write to Dot herself soon.

With 30 seconds to go until bedtime, he sends her all his love and a string of Xs and Os.