It was lucky for me that Jimmy’s movie club order arrived on the same day that I got the letter. The mailman rang the doorbell and I opened it, wiping my hands on my apron. He put the mail right into my hands. I saw the envelope immediately. It was right on top of the stack, addressed in simple block letters written in plain blue ink. My mother must have thought that a non-descript letter had a chance of slipping past Jimmy’s inspection. It wouldn't have, but for once that wouldn't matter.

Two year old Sandy had followed me to get in on the excitement. While she flirted with the mailman from behind my leg I slipped that precious envelope into my apron pocket. Sandy would remember this rare visit from the mailman, but not the envelope on top of the box. For good measure, I called Jack to come see the mail truck. I would need witnesses.