"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

It’s been twenty two years since you left. I had so many kisses, so many hugs to give you. The first few years without you were hard, the emptiness you left is still difficult to fill. There is so much of you in dad, that sometimes I feel that I’m talking to you through him. Many things happened, some good and some not so much, but I’m just going to tell you the good ones, so you don’t worry, as you used to do for me and my sister. You have a great-grandson whose name is Julian; he is 8 years old and he’s a beautiful child. I’m sure you would have been a wonderful grandfather. Apart from that, I’m studying to be an English teacher. I really like the language and I would also like to be a teacher so that I can help others become more extraordinary persons. I have very good colleagues and also teachers. I think these next 4 years are going to be fantastic; I’m really excited about this challenge, because it has not been easy for me to get to where I am now. You see, mom and dad got divorced 8 years ago, I went to live with mom so she wouldn’t be alone, since grandma went to live with us when you left; she was shattered, well, we all were. You leave so fast, without saying goodbye, that no one could understand what was happening. Then we understood, and we knew how to go on living without you. Well, I don’t want to make you feel sorry, that’s not the reason I’m writing this letter to you. All this started as a homework assignment from the English teacher. The task is to write a letter to a deceased person. And I didn’t hesitate for a minute to know who my letter was going to be addressed to. To you, of course. I have something else to tell you so that you fill your heart with love. Julian is not the only great-grandson you have, so is Antonio and Vicente, but they are Miny’s children. They are two pieces of sky where the sun always shines. Julian and his cousins play a lot together and show affection for each other all the time. Dad is fine; he has a good job, friends, and a good relationship with mom. Well, dad has a good relationship with everyone; you’ll know why I’m telling you. Well grandpa, to be honest, I really enjoyed telling you something of what has been going on in recent years. I promise to keep doing it so I feel like you’re still here. I feel it, all the time, but I think writing letters is the best way to have you with me, forever.