Rollie,

No! Goodness Rollie, that's not what I meant! Of course we're still friends! We will ALWAYS be friends. Forever. I don't care where you are or what you're doing. YOU are MY/OUR friend. Please stop apologizing. It's not your fault. Just... make sure you keep in touch with us. Okay? Letters, email, phone calls. Doesn't matter what or which. Call collect if you have to, just keep in touch. Got it now? I hope so. I can't afford a trip to Australia, but I'll come if I have to.

Your messages. Didn't Mira tell you? I guess not. The officer you gave them to didn't pass them along. Talk about everyone being PO'ed! Mira and the Captain took him down more than a notch or two. I don't know what duty Van Duran gave the man, but I don't think he'll ever do that one again... If they ever allow him back near a phone again. It's mostly because of his actions we got so worried. See. It's not your fault.

Mind, it sounds like we should have been worried, even before you left. I'm sorry I didn't come around more often. I There aren't enough excuses for that. Heck! I could of picked up the phone and CALLED you! If nothing else. I hope I get a chance to make it up to you, Rollie. I'm sorry. WE are sorry.

Take care of yourself. Listen to the doctor and do what he tells you. I hope you feel better soon. I hope we get to see you, sometime. Maybe, we could have lunch or something? Maybe you can come and eat dinner with us? Whatever.

I, uh, I was sorry to hear about Dingo. That was pretty mean for him to do that to you. I know he didn't actually mean to, but I know he results still hurt. I... I don't know what to say. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that Dingo didn't think first. I'm sorry I upset you. (Please, don't tell Sarah, Mira or Angie! They'd definitely be mad at me, if they knew.) I really didn't mean to upset you like that. I certainly didn't mean that way. Forgive me?

Your FRIEND,
Francis

PS. Tell Mira that Sarah says she understands Mrs. Taylor recipe just fine. She said something about a quick oven refers to the amount of wood it took to heat the stove quickly... or something. Don't ask me! I don't understand at all. What does that have to do with baking cookies in an electric or gas oven?!?