Chapter Text
From: Rekha I
To: Ryland Grace
Date: February 6th, 2017
Subject: Are You Okay??
hi Dr. Grace everyone is really worried about you bc no one has seen you since last week, and everyone thinks you got arrested by the government or something, please tell us you’re OK and when you’re coming back please thank you.
Sincerely,
Rekha I
From: Jeff K
To: Ryland Grace
Date: February 7th, 2017
(no subject)
Dr. grace did you actualy get kidnapped by the FBI or is kevin lying? he told me that you went into a black car and nobody has seen you since then :(
From: Devin P
To: Ryland Grace
Date: February 8th, 2017
Subject: Dr. grace can youcplease regrade my periodic table assignment i submitted it like 2 weeks ago and you said you were going to thanks
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: February 10, 2017
Subject: Questions about Science 6 and 8 Curriculum
Dr. Ryland Grace,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Rae Rosario, and I’m reaching out with some questions about the science curriculum at GCMS. I don’t think I ever got to meet you in person, but I was hired as the building substitute a few months back. I’m reaching out because I’ve taken over as the science teacher for your classes while you’re out on leave.
If possible, could you send me any curriculum notes or lessons, or direct me on where to find more? The office supplied me with some of the curriculum, but there’s some units that are missing or incomplete, so they told me to ask you. Additionally, I haven’t taught science before, and I want to make sure students are learning the correct content.
I know that you’re on leave right now for an emergency, so I understand if you can’t get back to me with this or access what you need right now.
Thank you, and have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Rae Rosario
Building Substitute
Grover Cleveland Middle School
RE: Questions about Science 6 and 8 Curriculum
Ms. Rosario,
(Attachment: unitoverviews.pdf)
Hey, thanks for reaching out. I’m sorry to hear the office couldn’t help out with giving you all the unit information, that sounds frustrating. I saw that you’re in Schoology’s system, so I just added you onto both classes and gave you access to my materials from last year. Everything should be on the agenda slides so you can just adapt those for this year, and I’ve also attached an overview of the remaining units for the year, too.
Thanks for taking over for me. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out, I have access to my work email and everything on my phone so I should be able to help out with anything you need, including questions about grading and that kinda stuff.
If the kids ask where I’m at, say I’m flying to space to escape them!
Sincerely,
RE: Questions about Science 6 and 8 Curriculum
Dr. Grace,
Thank you so, so much, I really appreciate it! I’ll absolutely let you know if I have any questions.
Have a great week!
Rae Rosario
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: March 2nd, 2017
Subject: Congratulations!
Dr. Grace,
I hope you’ve been doing good. I wanted to let you know that they just sent out an email to staff and students about you joining the Petrova Task Force.
Kids are super excited and glad that you’re helping out, and have been asking me to let you know that they’re all wishing you good luck!
Thanks again for your help with getting set up.
Have a good week!
Rae Rosario
RE: Congratulations!
Ms. Rosario,
Thank you for the good luck wishes, I will pass them along to the rest of the taskforce! I hope things have been going well for you too. Let the kids know that I miss them too!
Ryland Grace
From: Lottie A
To: Ryland Grace
Date: March 2nd, 2017
Subject: Science Olympiad
Hey Mr. Grace are you actually gonna go to space to stop the space dots bc i really wanted to do science olympiad next year, but only if you’re running it so please let me know thank you.
Lottie
Subject: RE: Science Olympiad
Dr. Grace I just realized I called you mr on accident im so sorry I forgot
Lottie
Subject: RE: Science Olympiad
Hey Lottie!
Don’t worry about the mixup with the name. No, I am not flying to space! I’m helping out with solving the Petrova Line problem, then I’m coming back. I don’t know when yet, but I’m hoping I can be there for Science Olympiad next year. I’m excited that you want to join—you’ll do fantastic!
Have a great week!
Dr. Grace
From: Euphoria L
To: Ryland Grace
Date: March 2nd, 2017
Subject: :(
Dr. Grace,
We miss you a lot please don’t go to space :(
RE: :(
Euphoria, don’t worry, I am not going to space! I’m helping out with the Petrova Problem, and I promise I will be back as soon as I can. Take care!
Dr. Grace
From: Olivia S
To: Ryland Grace
Date: March 2nd, 2017
Subject: Good Luck!
Dr. Grace, good luck on the Petrova Line Task Force! We all miss you and hope you can help out with fixing the petrova problem!
Sincerely,
Olivia S
RE: Good Luck!
Olivia, thank you for the good luck wishes! I miss all of you too. I’ll do my best!
Dr. Grace
From: Petro B
To: Ryland Grace
Date: March 2nd, 2017
Subject: Day One
Day one of emailing Dr. Grace until he comes back to school and gives me the nerds gummy clusters that he PROMISED me on February 3rd 2017 after I won the Kahoot on kinetic energy.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: March 3rd, 2017
Subject: Emails from Students
Dr. Grace,
I spoke with the kids about your mission and our conversations yesterday, which made them realize they can email you. Many of them got excited and started writing out messages. I’m so sorry to clog your inbox. Thanks again for your help.
Sincerely,
Rae Rosario
RE: Emails from Students
Ms. Rosario,
No need to apologize! It was actually a really nice start to my morning, so don’t worry about it. How have things been going? I know you’re in the middle of a unit right now for 6th grade, so let me know if you have any questions.
Also, you can just call me Grace!
Grace
RE: Emails from Students
Grace,
In that case, please just call me Rae. Things have been alright so far! The kids talk about you a lot, and a lot of them kept speculating on where you were for the couple weeks (many thought the FBI had kidnapped you, or that you were dead, or on the run). Now, they’re mostly just very proud that a teacher from their school is helping out with things.
I have to admit, I’m struggling a bit with the content. I have a bachelor’s in art and I’m planning on teaching it once some openings pop up, but to be frank, I’m not the most knowledgeable on science (outside of the occasional Hank Green video).
I feel a bit bad that the kids went from your instruction to mine. Do you have any recommendations on what I can do?
Thanks.
Rae
RE: Emails from Students
(Attachment: youtubechannels.pdf)
Hey Rae. Hank Green is a great start!
Honestly, in terms of learning more, doing the experiments and learning alongside the kids isn’t the worst outcome. Many of them are pretty knowledgeable and can help guide you along the way (off the top of my head, Olivia in 2nd and Petro in 5th are both very knowledgeable kids). If you have the time, I recommend reading through the curriculum book and looking up topics online to learn more yourself. I’ve also attached a doc with links to some science channels I’d recommend (all of these are safe for classroom use too!).
It’s super cool that you wanna teach art. Don’t fret over the kids, they’ll be alright, especially with someone like you there. The fact that you’re reaching out to me at all shows that you care about them. It’s very easy to just coast along and not put any thought into what you’re teaching (I know, because i’ve been there). Caring is hard. It takes work and time.
Thank you for caring.
RE: Emails from Students
Grace,
Thanks for the videos and advice. It’s hard not to compare myself to other people, so I appreciate the reassurance a lot.
In other news, the 8th graders are wrapping up the paper rollercoasters project! I’ll send some photos over when I have them.
Rae
From: Petro B
To: Ryland Grace
Date: March 3rd, 2017
Subject: Day Two
Day two of emailing Dr. Grace until he comes back to school and gives me my nerds gummy clusters that he promised me on february 3 2017 aftter i won the kahoot on kinetic energy.
Dr. Grace has declined to answer my previous email. Nonetheless, I persist.
RE: Day Two
Petro,
If you recall our discussion in class, I promised to bring you a bag of 12oz Nerds Gummy Clusters “the next time I saw you.” This statement implies that I have not broken my promise, because I have not seen you since the day of the Kahoot.
I will bring you a bag of Nerds Gummy Clusters the next time I see you, and no sooner.
Have a good week,
Dr. Ryland Grace
From: Petro B
To: Ryland Grace
Date: March 4th, 2017
Subject: Day 3
Day 3 of emailing Dr. Grace until he comes back to school and gives me my nerds gummy clusters that he promised me on february 3 2017 aftter i won the kahoot on kinetic energy, in which i remind him that I will just keep on emailing him this every day regardless of the next time I see him, because at this point it is the principal of the thing and not even the nerds gummy clusters anymore
From: Ryland Grace
To: Rae Rosario
Date: March 4th, 2017
Subject: Weird Request
Hey Rae,
I know this is a weird request, but do you think you could buy some Nerds Gummy Clusters and give them to Petro R in 5th hour? I owe him some for a kahoot. I’ll venmo/paypal you the money for them (and a coffee or drink of your choice).
RE: Weird Request
Grace,
Absolutely. I’ll deliver them to him tomorrow. I would not turn down a free coffee…
From: Ryland Grace
To: Petro B
Date: March 5th, 2017
Subject: RE: Day 3
Petro,
Fair enough. I have a proposal: If I send money to Ms. Rosario and she purchases the Nerds Gummy Clusters, would that be satisfactory?
RE: Day 3
Yeah that works ty dr Grace :D
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: March 15th, 2017
Subject: Finished science 8 rollercoasters
(Attachment: 5 images)
Grace, here’s some photos of the finished paper rollercoasters the 8th graders made. They turned out really cute (my personal favorite is Ruby’s bee-themed one!). They got to share them out today and test-drive them with marbles. Overall it went pretty well!
RE: Finished Science 8 Rollercoasters
They turned out AWESOME!! Thank you for sharing these!
How are you feeling about next unit?
RE: Finished Science 8 Rollercoasters
Pretty good right now. I’ve got everything ready to go for Monday. One of the activities I found online suggested having kids try out making DNA with marshmallows and toothpicks, so we’re gonna do that as a warm-up first. It’s been challenging to re-learn all the stuff I forgot from middle school, but I’ve ended up liking science a lot more than expected.
Question: Do you have any instructions and examples of previous student work for the final project of the unit? I know it’s a while off, but it’d be great to have samples to show them and directions to base instruction off of.
Thanks!
RE: Finished Science 8 Rollercoasters
(Attachment: Unit4samples.pdf)
Rae, I’m glad to hear you’ve been enjoying science more than expected! Here’s some samples for the final project. Also, feel free to change things up if needed. I love the DNA marshmallow idea, and I will absolutely be stealing taking inspiration from it for next year.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 20th, 2017
Subject: Meeting
Grace, weird question. Are you free tomorrow at like 10 AM? 2nd hour has been working on something for earth day and really want to show you it. I can facetime you if that works.
Re: Meeting
Agh, I have a meeting at that time. I’m sorry, Rae.
Re: Meeting
No worries! Have a nice night.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2017
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE!
2nd hour really wanted to wish you a happy birthday over a call or something like that, so we settled on a card instead. We hope you have a nice birthday!
(And a happy Earth Day, too!)
Here’s the birthday card the kids signed:
RE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Oh my god that’s so sweet.
Thank you so, so much.
If it isn’t too much trouble, could we do a call next Monday? I’ll be free then.
Thank you, again.
RE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Of course. Monday would be great!
From: Ryland Grace
To: Rae Rosario
Date: May 3rd, 2017
Subject: WHALES!
(Attachment: 3 images)
We passed by a group of whales traveling through the area!! Thought you’d appreciate! Hope you’re doing well.
RE: WHALES!
Grace, I’m so jealous of you right now. I wonder what breed they are? I’m doing alright, bit stressed.
RE: WHALES!
I’m not allowed to disclose anything about the ocean we’re currently in, but I also don’t know much about whales so I wouldn’t be much help in identifying them anyway. Sorry you’re feeling stressed. Please let me know if I can help with anything.
RE: WHALES!
Just general stress, mostly. I feel like I’m putting in so much effort and still coming up short. I’m trying not to worry about it, because I know I’m new to this, but it’s hard not to question if I’m doing the right thing.
RE: WHALES!
I think you’re being too hard on yourself, and also probably dealing with a case of sliiight burnout. How much work do you do on the weekends and after school? If there’s any way to reduce it, that’d help out a bit.
If you want some reassurance, you’re doing great. Middle schoolers can be tough. Any day you make it through without one of them dying or killing each other is a win.
RE: WHALES!
Thanks, Grace. You’re right. I’ve probably been working weekends too much, I’ll try out moving things around a bit more and taking some shortcuts when I can.
Anyways, how are things going on your end? (At least, what you’re legally allowed to share)
RE: WHALES!
So far, so good. I’ll be honest, living on a ship sucks. I’m way more prone to seasickness than I thought I’d be. In general, it’s been a very interesting experience.
It is nice to have an audience so eager to listen to what I say, but man, I do miss the kids (and the other members of the taskforce aren’t very fond of me talking to them like 6th graders).
It’s nice talking to you. Keep me updated—both on the class and on anything else, too.
RE: WHALES!
Will do. I’m glad it’s going well so far. Let’s hope it continues that way.
RE: WHALES!
Fingers crossed!
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: May 10, 2017
Subject: Concerns
Hey Grace. You said earlier I could reach out with anything I’m worried about, but I still feel a bit bad bothering you with this. Could you give me some advice?
RE: Concerns
Rae, I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it. What’s up?
RE: Concerns
Thank you.
I know it sounds bad, because it’s only been a few months, but I’m having a really hard time staying optimistic right now. So, please be honest with me here. Does it actually get easier?
Everyone knows this is a hard job, and everyone says that the first year is the toughest, and that you get better and it gets easier over time. You just learn to work with it, and the reason I’m struggling is because I’m new. It makes sense, and I want to believe that they’re right, but I can’t help but doubt it. What if they’re just saying that? Worse, what if it’s me? What if I’m just not cut out for this?
Sorry, I know that’s a lot.
RE: Concerns
Rae, that sounds like A Lot.
You wanted my honest answer, so I’ll give it: Nothing ever really gets permanently “easier.” Everything is a bit different every day. That’s both the blessing and curse that comes with a job like this, as with any job that centers around people, especially young people.
It gets easier, temporarily, and then it gets harder sometimes.
To put things in context, though, right now you’re dealing with a lot of “harder sometimes.” You’re substituting for a subject you’re unfamiliar with (and rockin’ it, don’t get me wrong!) and you’re still getting used to actually teaching, too.
If you’re asking if you should quit while you’re ahead, I can’t really answer that one for you. You put way more work into this job than what you get out a lot of the time, and I think it’s still the hardest thing I’ve done, current occupation included.
Honestly, there have been many days where I think about quitting teaching. I have an ongoing fantasy about gathering my possessions up into a backpack and biking into the mountains to become a hermit some days.
I guess what i’m trying to say is that it’s like the ocean. All of life is like the ocean, I guess. Ebbs and flows. Sometimes it’s violent and stormy and never looks like it’ll ever calm down again, but then it does.
Sometimes, you just need to ride the storm out. In the end, if you decide you don’t want to anymore, that’s okay. There is no shame in quitting, no matter what people say. It’s your life.
Anyway. I really hope any of that helps. I know it’s hard, but you’re doing great. And even when you struggle, you’ll figure it out as you go.
Please take care.
RE: Concerns
Thanks, Grace.
That means a lot.
I’ll ride it out to the end of the year. See how I’m feeling. You’re probably right.
I appreciate it, a lot.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: May 19th, 2017
Subject: Snake Sighting
(Attachment: 2 images)
We went outside today to look at different leaves and plants growing, and Marie found a snake!! (She said it was just a common garden snake, so I picked it up and moved it away from the building.)
Anyway, the kids demand a pet snake now. I told them to ask you next year, so good luck with that.
RE: Snake Sighting
Rae,
Please inform my children that we will get a pet snake when I get all of my missing beanbags back (IE, when pigs fly).
RE: Snake Sighting
I told them. Rekha and Marie have formed a small organization named the MBI (Missing Beanbag Investigators) dedicated to tracking down the culprits of the missing beanbags. I have chosen to sit out on this one. I am hopeful that no break-ins to lockers or homes occur, and, if they do, that you are held legally obligated rather than myself.
From: Marie C
To: Ryland Grace
Date: May 19th, 2017
Subject: Why Your Classroom Should Get a Pet Snake
Dr. Grace,
Greetings. I have emailed you today to request the acquisition of one (1) pet snake for the classroom (preferebly next year, bc my classmates and i will be in the 7th grade)
Reason number 1 is that snakes are cool and chill. Students can watch the snake when frustrated.
Reason number 2: Snakes do not need to eat very often. You only need to feed them every now and then.
Reason #3: Snakes eat mice, which can b frozen in the conveniently located freezer in the Teachers lounge (you can hide them in a popsicle box or something like that too)
Reason number 4 is that I want one really bad but myparents won’t let me get one bc I’m “too young to be responsible for one”
Thank you for listening and i hope this convinced you.
Sincerely,
Marie C
(PS. Rekha also agrees with me and I think Olivia does too)
RE: Why Your Classroom Should Get a Pet Snake
Marie,
That was a very convincing argument. I will heavily consider it for next year. Do you have a recommended species?
Sincerely,
Dr. Grace
RE: Why Your Classroom Should Get a Pet Snake
Dr. Grace,
A cornsnake named candy corn.
RE: Why Your Classroom Should Get a Pet Snake
Marie,
Okay, that is very, very good.
We’ll see about it.
Dr. Grace
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: May 31st, 2017
Subject: End of Year
Hey Grace! I can’t believe the end of the year is just a week away. I wanted to ask you a few things for wrapping everything up:
Do you need me to do anything to wrap up your classroom for summer?
Any recommendations for final day celebrations?
Thank you!!
RE: End of Year
Hey, Rae. I hate to say it, but I don’t think I’ll be back next year. It was a bit of a foolish hope to have, but I thought I’d be wrapped up by now. It looks like it’s going to take a while to do what I need to do. I reached out to the union, and to admin, and they’re going to look for a replacement full time science teacher for next year. I’m hoping I can somehow get my job back when all this is over, but I’m not sure at this point.
It hurts, but I can’t leave yet.
As for your questions:
Someone from administration should come by to pack up the stuff I want to keep and put it somewhere safe in storage until I can come back.
I recommend a day outside, with a fun experiment like soda and mentos or elephant toothpaste! I know that’s a lot, so if you don’t want to, sidewalk chalk is always a hit too.
One last favor to ask. Can you please take my beanbags with you? You can do whatever you want with them. They were handmade for me by a student, and it makes me too sad to think of them sitting somewhere in a box.
Thank you, again, for being such a good teacher to our students.
RE: End of Year
Grace, I understand why you need to stay, but I’m sorry you won’t be able to return next year.
It’s been great working with you. I feel like I’ve learned a lot this year (both about teaching and science).
If you’re sure you’re okay with it, I’ll take the beanbags.
One last question: Do you want me to tell the kids?
RE: End of Year
Yeesh, honestly… I’m not sure.
I know the kids can handle it, and they’ll get over it. Honestly, it sounds bad, but I’m more worried that the kids will convince me to drop all of this and come back.
Sorry for putting this on you. Can I think about it?
RE: End of Year
Yeah. Just let me know when you figure it out.
From: Ryland Grace
To: Rae Rosario
Date: June 7th, 2017
Subject: Happy End of Year!
(Attachment: Recommendation.pdf)
Rae, thank you so, so much for all your work this year. I genuinely can not say it enough.
I wanted to leave you something nice, sooo here’s a giftcard and a recommendation letter.
Wherever you wind up working at, they’ll be very lucky to have you.
Don’t be a stranger!
RE: Happy End of Year!
Grace, thank you SO MUCH!! I’m gonna miss all the kids and you, too. I’ll keep you updated on the job hunt!!
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: July 14th, 2017
Subject: Guess What
Guess what school has an art teacher position open :)
RE: Guess What
No way. Dude. You need to get it.
RE: Guess What
Interview Monday. Fingers crossed!
RE: Guess What
You got this!! Good luck! (Not that you need it!)
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: July 24th, 2017
Subject: Update
Grace,
Check the email signature :)
Sincerely,
Ms. Rae Rosario
Art Teacher
GCMS
RE: Update
Knew you’d get it!!!
CONGRATS!!!! :)
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: August 21st, 2017
Subject: Getting Ready
(Attachment: 3 images)
Grace,
It’s been a little while!! Here’s my art classroom, all ready for tomorrow.
I hope you’re doing good!
RE: Getting Ready
Rae,
The room looks beautiful! I love the lights. Things have been a little rocky lately, but we’re getting through. Keep me updated!
RE: Getting Ready
Day one is in the books! Bit nervous but things went well. I’ve got some of our 6th graders (Tobi, Euphoria, and Marie, to name a few). Many of them miss you, and I think sent you messages?
Hope things get better.
From: Ryland Grace
To: Rae Rosario
Date: September 22, 2017
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy birthday, Rae!
Hope the school year has been going OK for you. Make sure to relax and celebrate!
RE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you, Grace! Things have been chaotic, but good. I’m getting dinner with some friends this weekend. Take care!!
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: January 1st, 2018
Subject: Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Hope things have been going well for you and that you’re doing okay.
RE: Happy New Year!
Cheers! Same to you. Busy, busy, but hanging in there.
Take care.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2018
Subject: Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday Grace! Hope you get to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the day. Sorry I haven’t talked to you much, been busy, but hope you’re doing good!
RE: Happy Birthday!
As always, thank you for the well wishes!!
Talk to you soon.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: May 28th, 2018
Subject: Art Show
Hey Grace!
School year is winding to a close, and I helped setup the school art show! Here’s some pics of the kids’ work :)
RE: Art Show
Oh wow!!! These are wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing.
From: Ryland Grace
To: Rae Rosario
Date: September 23rd, 2018
Subject: Happy (late) Birthday!!
Sorry I’m late! Been busy. Hope your school year is off to a good start and that your day is great!
RE: Happy (late) Birthday!!
Thank you Grace! It’s been off to a good start. I’m feeling much more confident now that I’m entering year two.
RE: Happy (late) Birthday!!
That’s good to hear!! Let me know if you need anything, yea?
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2019
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE!!
It’s been a while since we’ve talked, and I know you must be incredibly busy right now, but I hope you get a bit of time to celebrate today. Good luck with the launch!!! We’re all rooting for you.
Rae
RE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you Rae!!!!
It has been super busy, but we’re almost there now.
Thank you for the good luck, we need all that we can get of that!!!
From: Eva Stratt
To: Rae Rosario
Date: May 14th, 2019
Subject: Art for Dr. Grace’s Journey
Ms. Rosario,
Hello. My name is Eva Stratt. I’m from the Petrova Line Task Force. I’m emailing you to inform you that Dr. Ryland Grace will be taking the place of the previous scientists onboard the Hail Mary, which is scheduled to launch on May 16th. As the art teacher at Grover Cleveland Middle School, the Petrova Line Task Force requests that your students create art for him to take onboard. He has already been put into a coma to prepare for the launch, but he will see the art when he wakes up.
I ask that you prioritize students who had Ryland Grace as a teacher, regardless of whether they have graduated from BCMS.
We will send someone to pick up the art tomorrow morning at 7 AM.
Thank you.
Eva Stratt
RE: Art for Dr. Grace’s Journey
Eva Stratt,
Thank you for reaching out. We’ll have the art ready for pickup tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Rae Rosario
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: May 16th, 2019
Subject: Safe Travels
(Attachment: ArtforDrGracetrip.pdf)
I wish you would have given us a warning, but I understand why you couldn’t.
I promise we won’t forget about you. We’ll remember you.
Good luck.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2020
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy birthday, Grace.
I don’t know if you’ll get any of these, but it’s nice to think about.
Everything’s been going alright. Got a pet cat, moved to a new apartment with a friend. Kids are learning how to make pinch pots, which is messy but fun.
Everyone misses you.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2021
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2021!
Happy birthday, Grace! Well, it finally happened. I got a class pet. A snake, like Marie wanted. (I sent her a picture over Schoology, and she lost her mind). We named her Sunny!
This is a bit too personal, maybe, but my roommate and I started dating. I haven’t really been one for romance, ever, and neither has she, but so far it’s really nice.
See ya. Miss you.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2022
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2022!
Happy birthday, Grace! It’s been a pretty chill year. Cynthia (my partner) and I adopted another cat. One of my kids got an art award. I ran into Olivia at the store the other day. She’s a junior now, did you know that? We talked about you a bit. She’s all grown up now. I’m starting to feel old! I’m 30 now.
Can’t believe I’ve been teaching for 5 years already.
Time really does fly, huh?
From: Olivia S
To: Ryland Grace
Date: May 30th, 2023
Subject: Graduation
Hey Dr. Grace,
I’m emailing you because you were my favorite teacher out of all of the ones I ever had. I wanted to invite you to attend my graduation party. I planned this out a while back, and now it feels a bit like a cruel joke that I can’t even tell you thank you.
But, well, thank you. Thanks for being a great teacher. Thanks for saving the world.
I’m planning on studying Applied Science at university next year. I want to help out the world however I can, even if things look bleak right now. I know you and the Hail Mary crew will succeed. It’s a gut feeling. Like knowing the answer is right even before you process it.
I know you can’t come back. But I hope you read this, somehow, one day.
Olivia
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2024
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2026
Sorry I missed a couple there. Got busy. Lost a good friend. It was… rough.
But hey. Cynthia and I are saving up for a house, now. Not in San Francisco. We’re thinking of heading over to Minnesota, where Cynthia grew up. Houses are a bit cheaper. I’m worried about the weather, though. If it keeps getting colder like it’s predicted to…
Well. We’re counting on you, yeah?
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2030
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2030!
Sorry it’s been so long. We ended up moving to Minnesota. The weather is awful, but we’re happy.
The trip is around 12 years, right? Then there’s only 2 left until you wake up again.
Is it strange to say I’ve been grieving you?
I never even met you in person, but I feel like we could have been friends, if things worked out. We would have been coworkers. Could have gotten drinks or something. Could have had you at my wedding.
Lots of could haves.
I sound ungrateful. Sorry.
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2032
Subject: Happy Birthday 2032
Well, you’re awake now, somewhere out there.
Hope you’re faring well, wherever you are.
I’ll toast to you down here, too.
Rae
From: Rae Rosario
To: Ryland Grace
Date: April 23rd, 2035
Subject: Farewell
If you succeeded, you’ll have sent back anything you found by now. God, I really hope you succeeded.
I hated the fog when I lived in San Francisco. I never thought I’d come to miss it.
The articles I read said you had enough food to last the mission, and not much more. Which means you’re gone by now.
I hope you know that I plan to keep my promise.
We won’t forget you. You’ll be remembered.
To brighter tomorrows,
Rae
RE: Farewell
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