Page 85 of PS: I Hate You

South Dakota

43°45’50.9” N

101°58’10.0” W

But he doesn’t immediately open it and start reading. Instead, he strides closer to a cluster of rocks and sets his ass down on a boulder. Then he pats the empty spot beside him.

The command is clear.

Sit.

Or maybe it was a request.

I roll my eyes but decide not to fight him on this. Besides, it is a nice spot to admire the view.

Only when I’m settled at his side does Dom slip a thumb under the fold of the envelope and tear. Instead of watching his fingers unearth the small piece of my brother, I keep my eyes forward on the lines of time marked on the landscape.

And I wait to hear Josh’s words in Dom’s voice.

Dear Maddie & Dom,

Welcome to South Dakota!

You should be in the middle of the Badlands right now. That name is pretty awesome, right? And from what I’ve heard,inaccurate. Because everyone who’s told me about the place says it’s a view like no other.

Take it in for me. And take a picture, of course.

Since I sent you on such a long trek, I’m confident you’ll find the perfect spot to leave a piece of me behind. Make sure I have a good view. I want to see it all.

Dom pauses in his reading, and I glance over to watch his throat bob as he swallows.

I don’t blame him for needing a break after only a few sentences. Even in our voices, all I hear is Josh when we read the letters. I hear his humor. His excitement. His hope.

And his regret.

Maddie.

It takes me a breath to realize Dom’s started to read again.

I know the hike couldn’t have been easy. But I’m glad you walked it. I hope you think it was worth it. Either way, you deserve a treat.

“Oh hell.” I wheeze. “What does that mean?”

Did you know that Dom has a—

“Oh come on, Josh.” The man in question groans my brother’s name.

I grin and bump my shoulder against his. “Keep reading.”

Dom shoots me a glare without heat, then returns his attention to the letter and reads with obvious reluctance.

Did you know that Dom has a beautiful singing voice? And did you know that a part of hiking safety is to make plenty of noise to discourage bears from stumbling upon you?

On the return trip, consider Dominic Perry your personal radio. And I want you to play all my favorite songs.

Enjoy yourself, Magpie.

Love,