I just got a letter from a friend who is going through a painful time, and I wish I could do something about the pain, but I have to tell you people -- it's the best damn letter I've ever read, and one of the best stories. It reads like JD Salinger -- it has a voice of its own. And though I know his pain is real, and that empathy should be my first and most dominant response (and it is, in person) -- my dominant response to his letter is a combination of excitement/hero worship/envy for the incredible writing. Ok -- jealousy, even. (
...does that make me a monster?)