Dear Eli
zoe reay-ellers
MOM is craning over a phone that’s held in her hands.
MOM
Dear Eli
Trails off, shakes her head
MOM
Dear Eli, how’ve you been? I moved into a new place with my boyfriend Tom. Love, Mom. Sent 11/20, 11:12am
MOM
Dear Eli, did you win your soccer game this weekend? Sent 11/22, 6:00pm
MOM
Dear Eli, your dad told me that you won your soccer game, did you have fun? Sent 11/22, 7:02pm
MOM
Happy Thanksgiving! Everyone says hello. They’d love it if you came up and spent Christmas with us. Sent 11/24, 10:34pm
MOM
Dear Eli, do you know what you want for Christmas yet? Sent 12/1, 9:54pm
MOM
Dear Eli, I got two kittens, you should come up and meet them sometime. Sent 12/14, 7:32am
MOM
Eli, Grandma wants to see you, would you want to go with me soon? Sent 12/18, 3:53pm
MOM
Merry Christmas, I sent you an envelope with some cash to use however you want. Sent 12/25, 6:04am
MOM
I heard that you got into Western, How are the rest of your college apps going? Sent 12/30, 11:00am
MOM
Happy new years! (sent with confetti) 1/1, 12:01am
MOM
I dropped some jam at the house, I went out paddleboarding a few weeks ago on the river that’s like 5 minutes away and found some untouched blackberry bushes. I took some containers with me this week and picked some and then spent a few days canning. Sent 1/20, 8:30am
MOM
Eli, can you please respond? Sent 1/30, 11:00pm
MOM
I’ll be staying with Beth for a few days while I have some long shifts at the hospital. If you want to do dinner or anything, I’ll be just a call and five minutes away. Sent 2/2, 8:02am
MOM
Eli? Sent 2/3, 1:00pm
MOM
Eli? Sent 2/3, 5:59pm
MOM
I’m better, I’m stable now. I won’t hurt you again. Please respond. Sent 2/6, 4:40pm. Deleted 2/6 4:47pm
MOM
I’m having a little get together on the 17th at 6ish to celebrate my birthday with some of the neighbors, I’m sure everyone would like to see you! Sent 2/10, 7:31am
MOM
These are my cats, Nickel and Pumpkin. (image403287 attached) sent 3/1, 12:10pm
MOM
I can’t believe you’re already 18, Happy Birthday! I love you. sent 3/25, 8:02 am
MOM
I sent a card with some cash again, keep an eye on your mailbox! Sent 3/25, 2:52pm
MOM
I hope you’re doing well! Sent 4/19, 7:03am
MOM
I looked at your school’s calendar, and graduation is soon, do you mind if I come? Sent 5/15, 11:43am
MOM
Hey, I know you don’t want to talk to me, but I promise I’m better now. Sent 5/15, 11:45am. Deleted 11:46am
MOM
Congratulations on getting through High School! I watched your graduation on zoom, you looked so handsome. Love, Mom. Sent 6/1, 3:04pm
MOM
Dad told me that you decided on UW, I’m so proud of you! Sent 6/23, 11:24am
MOM
If you want somewhere to get away this summer, just text me, we have a spare room up here. If you want any help with getting stuff for your dorm, or school supplies or whatever, I can take you. Sent 6/24, 5:37pm
MOM
Dad told me that you were looking for a ride to the airport for next Tuesday, I can take you if you’d like. Sent 7/5, 9:00am
MOM
How’ve you been? Love, Mom. Sent 7/6, 8:06pm
MOM
I miss you, is there any way I can see you before you go to school? Sent 8/20, 7:45am
MOM
I’ve been going to therapy. Sent 9/1 9:10am
MOM
I’m better now. Sent 9/1 9:10am
MOM
Please let me show you I’m better now. Sent 9/1 9:10am
MOM
How has your first week of college been? Sent 10/5 4:45pm
MOM
I love you! -Mom Sent 11/2 9:08pm
MOM
Happy Thanksgiving! Sent 11/24 12:37pm
MOM
Merry Christmas! Sent 12/25 8:46am
MOM
Happy New Year! Sent 1/1 12:06am
MOM
Happy Birthday! Sent 3/25 7:45 am
MOM
Dad told me you switched to majoring in Bio! Just like me. If you ever need any help, I’m here for anything you need. Sent 5/7 6:50pm
MOM
Made some banana bread today and I sent a few loaves to your dorm, Dad gave me your address. I know you like it with walnuts so I added some! Enjoy. Love, Mom. Sent 5/20 12:02pm
MOM
Any big plans for the summer? Sent 7/2 8:00pm
MOM
Happy Thanksgiving! Sent 11/24 4:00pm
MOM
Merry Christmas! Sent 12/25 8:56pm
MOM
Happy New Year! Sent 1/1 12:02am
MOM
Happy Birthday! Sent 3/25 7:04 am
MOM
Happy Thanksgiving! Sent 11/24 12:39pm
MOM
Merry Christmas! Sent 12/25 9:58am
MOM
Happy New Year! Sent 1/1 12:06am
MOM
Happy Birthday! Sent 3/25 7:45 am
Zoe Reay-Ellers is a senior currently attending Interlochen Arts Academy. She edits for a host of literary magazines, and her work has appeared in a number of different places, including The Blue Marble Review and The Eunoia Review.