"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 weird writing a letter to you, and my hands are shaking as I write this. So much has happened since you passed away, and I don’t know if you have any idea what has been going on in my life. It would make my life easier if I knew if you where in heaven, but I’ll just hope for the best that you are. Anyway, a year later after you died, Mommy and Daddy got a divorce. I was nine years old when they split, and later their divorce was finalized when I was ten years old. I knew life wasn’t going to be the same after you died. But, so much was going on in my life, and I needed you there. I was so angry at God for letting you leave me, and I thought He was being unfair for not bringing you back. When I was eleven years old, Daddy began to live with another woman. I had a hard time liking her, even tolerating her, because of what happened. Besides these negative things happening at the moment, there were also some beautiful moments. For example, after years of being angry at God and not wanting to go to church, I accepted Jesus when I was twelve. A few months later, I got a dog named Louie. Louie really helped me with everything, since he was a good listener and just licked my hand in affection. But, when I was thirteen, he got hit by a car, and left me too. This time, I wasn’t angry at God. I tried to understand that it was His plan, and I said goodbye to Louie. A few days later, I had a dream about him. In the dream, I was in a great white room, and Louie ran to greet me. I kept telling him to be a good boy, and then he ran back into the white light. I truly believe that was his way of telling me goodbye, and I’m very thankful that that is my last memory of him, because I haven’t dreamed of him since. I’ve had many dreams of you since you passed away. The last one I can remember was when we went out to eat at your favorite restaurant. I remember that Mapita was with us too, and I was really happy. She is doing fine by the way. I haven’t been able to hang out with her as much as I used to, and that makes me sad. I’ve carried your memory on by becoming a fan of the Dodgers, and this summer I went to almost every home game they had. Daddy is doing well too, I guess. He and his woman got married, and now I have two stepsisters and a stepbrother. Marisa is doing great too. She is a sophomore in high school, and she has a lot of friends and is very involved in school. Netti and Justin graduated high school already, and both have jobs. But, the Sotos have distanced themselves from the family, which means that me and Marisa have gotten really close over the years. I’m doing pretty good in school too. I graduate from high school in June, and I really wish you could have been here to watch me toss my cap in the air and embrace life. I remember you used to tell me that you would dance with me at my wedding. Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten. Maybe during the father-daughter dance, I’ll pretend my dad is you, since he’s a spitting image of you. I really hope you’re in heaven. And I also hope I’m making you proud with everything I do. Not a day goes by without me missing you. Sabes que? Te amo.