Sunday, June 1, 1997
Dear Nova,
Sometimes things happen slowly, and then they happen all at once. For the first time in my life, I don’t have a single thing left to lose. I did something that might sound impulsive, but the truth is I know it’s been a long time coming. I might not know what’s next, but at least I know it won’t be Erie. I did it. I left. I can hardly believe it as my pen sweeps across this paper. I’m writing you from New York City.
It wasn’t much longer after I last wrote that I officially made up my mind to leave. The deliberation lasted no more than twelve hours after I put down my pen. I mentioned it to you here in these pages, and the next thing I knew, my mind was settled. I like to think talking to you gave me courage.
I can’t even really call it a decision. The ch
