you know you want to go out

Dear Kip,

Wow, I put on one of your t-shirts the other day for a bike ride and I realized I hadn't even thought of you in forever. It was a greenish Pipeman tee that Aunt Penny got from your mom's store. I wonder whatever happened to all of those t-shirts and stuff? Anyway, it's a nice shirt, with a high mock turtleneck, so it was warm for the ride. I figured it was too cool for me to sweat, so it was safe. I usually wear synthetic fibers, because they don't hold moisture.

Anyway...I tested this kid today at school. I guess I shouldn't say kid; he was almost 17. He can't leave the house without his mom or brother or dad. Can't even run into a store for a quick errand by himself, you know? I felt kinda bad for him; he seems really nice: easy laugh, good sense of humor. He could get out of that, with the right help, I think.

Think of that, Kip: stuck in the house at 17 because of your brain. I don't even want to ask what you think of that. But I think if I did, you'd be kinder about it than most people. Just a hunch.

-nonjo