Страница 33 из 59
They’re going on about how dark energy—whatever it is— fills up most of the universe, along with dark matter, and how no one knows what either of those things is (which is a bit of a relief, since, um, I was thinking I’d missed something), but they seem to think it’s responsible for the anti-gravitational force that is causing the universe to expand, rather than contract, the way everything else does, when gravity pulls on it.
Hello. Don’t they realize they’re in ITALY? Can’t they shut up for FIVE MINUTES and enjoy the way the light is trickling through the green leaves as the sun sinks down, dappling the pool and veranda in golden half-light? Or the way the setting sun seems almost to create a mist across the patch worked hills, making them seem blurry to the eye—except for where the outbuildings on them are silhouetted against those great big purple clouds built up behind them, the aftereffects of a fleeing storm?
THAT’s what they should be talking about. The miracles of nature right in front of them. Not some stupid dark energy, billions of miles away.
Oh, great. Those clouds, that I thought were fleeing? They’re headed this way. It’s going to rain in a second.
Aw, screw it. It’s time for di
___________________________________________
e-mails
To: Cal Langdon
Fr: Joan Langdon < [email protected] /* */ [email protected] /* */>
Re: Mary
Hi, Calvin! It’s me, Mom. I don’t know where you are right now—are you still in Riyadh? I know you were on Charlie Rose — one of my neighbors told me. But of course I missed it, because you know I don’t own a television—so you must have been back in the US for that.
I did buy your new book. It was very long.
But they have it in the window at Books-A-Million, so I’m sure you’ll sell lots of copies.
Anyway, I hope you’re well, and not working too hard… but knowing you, I’m sure that’s the case. You were always such a workaholic. Remember in high school, when you were so determined to get into Yale? Your dad and I couldn’t understand it. What’s so wrong with a state school? We went to one, and didn’t turn out so badly.
But you got your way, in the end. As always. Well, I mean, you got in. Too bad they wouldn’t give us enough financial aid to let you go. But hey, you turned out all right! Looks like Ohio State didn’t hurt you too much!
I myself am doing extremely nicely—I have a show at the Tucson Senior Center next month, featuring my latest series of “lint people.” I really think these latest pieces are going to put me on the map in the art world. I see myself as a sort of middle-aged, female Matthew Barnye. You know, the artist who made a name for himself with Vaseline sculptures?
I can’t tell you how good it feels, Cal, to finally be expressing my creative side. I felt so STIFLED all those years I ignored the artistic part of me. I really hope you’re finding a way to let your own creativity flow, Cal. I know some people call writing art, but what you write… well, I don’t think nonfiction counts. You’ve always looked down on your sister and me, I know, calling us “flakes.”
But there’s nothing “flakey” about creative expression, Cal. Nothing at all.
Speaking of your sister, I was wondering if you’d heard from her. I only ask because I had the oddest dream last night, in which you, your dad, and Mary and I were trapped on a frozen pond, and the ice had begun to crack. Oddly, you were the only one who managed to pull yourself to safety.
So I was just wondering if you knew if Mary was all right.
That’s all.
Mom
___________________________________________
To: Cal Langdon
Fr: Hank Langdon < [email protected] /* */>
Re: Hey
Hey! Whaddaya think? I got myself online! Yeah! I know! It’s a miracle!
So when are you coming for a visit? I got an extra set of clubs. The courses here ain’t bad at all. Well, you know, except for the spics. But you can’t escape the spics in Mexico City, let me tell you!
Hey, I heard you landed some big book deal, or something. Think you can loan your old man ten grand or so? I got myself in a little deep with this guy over a horse—
Well, let me know. And if you talk to your mother or sister, tell ’em to lay off me. They’ve bled me dry. I don’t have two pesos left to rub together.
Manana.
Dad
___________________________________________
To: Cal Langdon
Fr: Mary Langdon
Re: You
So I take it from your not emailing me back that you have no interest in me or my life. I guess the word FAMILY doesn’t mean anything to you.
Whatever. I can get along fine without you—which is why the judge granted me Emancipated Minor status in the first place.
I’m in Canada, now, in case you’re interested. Not that MY travels could be of any interest to such a jetsetter like yourself. Where are YOU now, anyway? Gstaad? Ougoudagou? Some place more fabulous than where I am, I’m sure.
Don’t worry (like youwould ), I’m sure I’ll be fine. It’s not that cold here yet. Well, except at night. But I’ve been sleeping in the van. Too bad Jeff can’t leave the heat on overnight, but it wears out the battery.
See you in the next life.
Mare
___________________________________________
To: Mary Langdon
Fr: Cal Langdon
Re: You
What is wrong with you? Why are you sleeping in some guy’s van? I thought you’d have learned a lesson about that, given what happened last time.
And I DID reply to your last email. If you’d quit changing your email address every two days, you might actually hear from some of the people you’ve written to once in a while.
I can give you another thousand bucks if you let me know where I can wire it. But what happened to the grand I sent you last month? What are you doing with all of my money, anyway? If I find out you’re blowing all of my money on drugs, Mary, I’m cutting you off. Do you understand me? Because I don’t think you’re quite getting the Emancipated part of being an emancipated minor. Which, by the way, at 25, you’re not anymore.
Cal
___________________________________________
To: Cal Langdon
Fr: Mary Langdon
Re: You
Oh my God, you are the best big brother any girl’s ever had EVER! Send the money to the Western Union here in Whistler, BC.
And we have to live in the van because all the cheap apartments and hotel rooms are taken by Winter X boarders right now, gearing up for the games. But it’s cool, because we’re selling TONS of tie-dyed shit. We can’t dye it fast enough, it seems.
And I need the cash for necessities, tampons, and food and stuff, until we start showing a profit. Jesus, Cal. I would never do drugs. I need my brain cells for my ART.
Thanks—U R the BEST!!
Much love,
Your little sis
___________________________________________
To: Mark Levine
Fr: Ruth Levine
Re: Hello!
Sweetie, I’m sorry to bother you, I know you’re having fun on your little European jaunt, but I need to know ASAP: What size sweater are you wearing lately? I know usually you like a Large, but you joined that gym, didn’t you? So maybe you’ve bulked up a little, and need an Extra Large?