Days That End in Y Read Online Free PDF Page B

stamina than I thought possible, and after fifteen straight minutes of her sounding the doggy alarm, I’m ready to climb out the window and go sleep at Benji’s.
    Doug yells at her from the bedroom, “Suzy-Q! Quiet down, now! Atta girl.”
    Hearing Doug’s voice does nothing to calm Suzy down. Instead, it encourages her to change tactics. Now she’s whining, a sound so pitiful that it even manages to pull on my heartstrings. I may not be the biggest Suzy fan, but I’m not cruel. I know it must be lonely being cooped up in a strange place, especially for a dog that used to sleep at the feet of her one and only master.
    From the other bedroom, I hear the bed creak and the door open. Then Mom’s voice rings loud and clear into the hallway. “Don’t. You’re only showing her that if she whines, you’ll come running.”
    Burn, Doug. You just got told. I smile into my pillow, even though Suzy has gone back to barking, and it’s not clear if we will ever sleep in peace again. It’s nice to know that Mom still knows how to rule the roost. To myself, I think, Clarissa 1, Suzy 0.
    But at three o’clock in the morning, after I’m rudely awakened by round two of Suzy’s protest, I change that score to Clarissa 1, Suzy 1.
    This is going to be even more difficult than I imagined.

A LONG, BORING DAY
    Dear Clarissa
,
    My cabin is singing in the talent show and Wicker is teaching us this AMAZING four part harmony and people are really going to be blown away. Wicker is by far the best counsellor I have ever had. You would really like her, Clarissa. She’s kind of tough and so fun — just like you! Plus, she plays guitar and designs tattoos and is the best archery teacher in the world. It’s like taking lessons from Katniss Everdeen!!! I almost got a bull’s eye, although you should see all the bruises I have on my arms from archery. So not pretty!
    I’ve made a big decision. I’m going to break up with Andrew. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and even though he is really sweet and smart, the connection just isn’t there, not like it is with you and Michael (are you guys official yet?!?!). He’s only written me once, and all he talked about was what he had for dinner and the games he was working on at computer camp. He never said one romantic thing. I know he’s really shy, but I have decided I need a boy who is not afraid to show his emotions. Besides, there are going to be so many other boys at Sir John A., and I want to keep my options open. I’m too young to settle down! So now you know. By the time I come home it will be over. I would much rather do it inperson, but that’s not really possible, so I’m going to compose a heartfelt, sensitive letter. Wicker has broken up with lots of boys so she’s going to help me
.
    Have you given any thought about coming to camp next year? I really think you would love it if you just gave it a chance. It’s not one of those hard-core camps where you cook your own food every night over a campfire and sleep in tents. We have cabins and bunk beds and a kitchen that makes AMAZING mac & cheese. Please think about it, Clarissa. I love camp, but I miss you and I know we would have such a great time together! And then you could meet Wicker!
    Say hello to your mom and tell her I’m going to need major highlights when I get back! You should see how the sun has wrecked my hair! Also say hi to Benji and Charity for me and be sure to give Michael a big kiss (ha-ha!). You can even say it’s from me, you big chicken!
    I miss you, but only on days that end in y. (Ha! Get it?! Wicker taught me that!)
    XOXOXO
    Mattie
    I fold Mattie’s letter and leave it on the coffee table. I will add it to my collection later. She is a dutiful pen pal, writing two times a week, sometimes even more.
    I look forward to her letters. I’ve already read this one about fifteen times since it arrived on Thursday. Sadly, walking to the mailbox after lunch has become the highlight of my day. I