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Love, always,

Nora

NOVEMBER

Vita,

Your zio Nino called today. He told me he’ll buy the cookbook and asked me if the brioche and granita were in it!

They are, of course!

Then he asked about Jude… and I couldn’t answer, because I haven’t heard from him in three months.

God… I’ve held my phone ready to dial his number so many times, but… I think I’d only hurt him more, and I can’t, Dami. I just can’t do that.

So I decided to put all my energy into my work! I’m doing it, Vita! I wrote a cookbook!

I’m living.

Hope you’re proud.

Miss and love you, always.

Nora

DECEMBER

Dami,

It's snowing… I bet it never snows in heaven…

Pity, 'cause I love the snow!

Our families decided to do Christmas together.

I'm happy to celebrate with your parents and Nonna… even if I'll miss you so damn much.

Lexy called me the other day, told me about the snow there and the song she was working on now.

I was so happy.

I wanted to ask about Jude too, but... I didn't.

I do wonder, though… you never told me how the Hawthornes celebrated Christmas.

Did Jude like Christmas growing up?

Or was he grumpy on that day too?

I like to think he secretly likes Christmas.

Don't know how it works over there in heaven, but if you can, make sure he's okay?

Miss and love you, always.

Nora

I put the pen down, slip the letter into an envelope and add it to the others.