Fic: A Life in Letters
10_letters is a community for fan fiction writers who enjoy the epistolary format. You choose a fandom, a character (or characters), and a table of 10 related words and have the character write letters based on those words. My claim hasn't been approved yet, but inspiration struck so I took advantage of it.
My table:
1. Best Friend
2. Mentor
3. Relatives
4. Enemy
5. Stranger
6. Boss
7. Hero
8. Lover
9. Politician
10.Student
Fandom: Donald Strachey Mysteries (movieverse)
Character and letter writer: Timothy Callahan
Disclaimer: Timothy and Don belong to Richard Stevenson.
best friend
stranger
June 10, 1985
Dear Sir or Madam,
I’m sorry about the dent I put in the right front fender of your Chevrolet Impala. Please call me at 555-1238 so we can trade insurance information. If Angela Callahan answers the phone, please just leave a number where I can reach you. She’s going to be mad enough as it is.
Timothy J. Callahan
hero
Father Anthony Callari
St. John Catholic Church
May 9, 1986
Dear Father,
I think I’d like to become a priest. It has taken me a long time to come to this decision, but I think it’s the right one for me. Before I take the final step I have some questions to ask you, and one of them is very personal.
I’m serving Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday. Maybe we could talk after that? Please let me know.
Sincerely,
Timothy Callahan
student
Georgetown, 1991
Randy,
I thought we decided to put a tie on the door if we wanted privacy. Sorry I walked in on you, but I didn’t know you had company. Hope I didn’t ruin things for you with Charlie.
Tim
relatives
angiecallahan101@aol.com
tjcallahan22@aol.com
May 10, 1997
Re: Where are you?
Mom,
Sorry I haven’t written, but I’ve been busy. Before you say, “We’re all busy,” I want to tell you that I’ve met somebody. He’s perfect for me, and I know when you meet him you’ll say the same. I want to bring him home this coming weekend. Is that too soon? You don’t have to fuss, just make sure we’ve got plenty of food that real people like to eat. And whatever you do, don’t let Dad grill him about politics. Don doesn’t have any.
Love,
Timmy
mentor
Timothy J. Callahan
Senate Building
Albany, NY
July 15, 2004
Dear Senator Holmes,
It is with great regret that I tender my resignation as your chief aide. Working with you for the past three years has taught me a great deal, and I want to thank you for the many professional opportunities you afforded me.
Sincerely,
Timothy J. Callahan
enemy
Victim Impact Statement
Issued by Timothy J. Callahan in the matter of The State of New York v. Charles Griffin
To be read by Circuit Judge Margaret Chase
November 28, 2007
“No statement can adequately express my loathing for the act you perpetrated on my husband, Donald Strachey. You shot him in the back with the intent to kill him, all in an attempt to mete out your twisted sense of justice.
My husband did not kill your son. Kyle made the decision to take his own life. You can blame yourself, a bigoted society or the U.S. Army, but you cannot blame Donald. He loved your son, and I’m sure your son loved him. There is no blame in that.
You are facing a sentence of twenty-five years in prison, and only my husband’s willingness to forgive is keeping you from serving a life term.
My husband forgives you, Mr. Griffin, but I never will."
Timothy J. Callahan
politician
Timothy J. Callahan
142 Crow Street
Albany, NY
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC
September 21, 2011
Dear Mr. President,
I want to thank you for working so hard to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” I’m gratified to see my president standing up for the right of all Americans to serve their nation with dignity and honor.
I have a personal stake in this decision, but I won’t go into those details. Suffice it to say that you would have had two more good men serving you had your predecessor been as fair-minded as yourself.
Sincerely,
Timothy J. Callahan
boss
Timothy J. Callahan
Senate Building
Albany, NY
February 25, 2013
Dear Lauren,
I remember the last time I wrote a letter like this one. I think I covered everything in two sentences. I suppose I could do that here, too, but saying “thank you for the opportunities you afforded me” doesn’t cover the experience of working for you.
I don’t want to resign as your chief aide. I love the job. I couldn’t ask for a better employer. You’ve taught me so much about reaching out to people, including those with whom I don’t agree. You’ve taught me the art of compromise, of swallowing one’s pride for the greater good, and treating each day as an opportunity to make life better for someone else.
But right now I need to make life better for Don. He needs me, and I need him, and together we have to fight the cancer that’s trying to take him away from me. We’re not giving up, and that’s another thing you taught me: if you’re pushed, push back. We will not give in to this insidious monster. We will fight, and we will survive.
I know you wish me the best. If there is anything I can do for you in the future, please ask. You’ve been more than a good employer; you’ve been a good friend, and I cherish the time I’ve spent with you.
Tim
lover
Dear Don,
I can picture you sitting at our kitchen counter, sleepy-eyed and drinking coffee that after five hours in the pot is strong enough to pave our driveway. You’re wearing your ratty old robe, the one I bought you five years ago, and you’re probably not wearing anything underneath it.
Right now you're reading my note. When I picture this piece of paper in your hand, I find it hard to say what I want to say. I want to tell you I love you, that I miss you even though I’m only at work and will see you tonight.
So I’ll just tell you. I love you, Donald Strachey, with everything that’s in me. You’re my life, my happiness, my reason for getting up in the morning, for going to bed at night. You’re the reason I work hard to make this world a better place. You’re the reason I try every day to be a good man and a good friend, husband and lover.
Have a good day, Donald. Take care of yourself and be careful. Also, I’d appreciate it if you’d get all those dirty socks out from under the bed.
Love,
Timmy
P.S. Please make sure you write “2014” on the checks. This is a new year, after all.
T
*Crossposted from Dreamwidth*