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about Nate and Ben and Joey which, deep down inside myself, I love. I have my doubts. But if it’s true, then maybe if I think hard enough, I’ll remember something and...that’s it!
    When Gina came over on Saturday, she mentioned some nice things about my brothers. And I’m glad she did, because now I have a plan. It might be silly or far-fetched or both, but the due date for my paper is drawing nearer with every passing second, and I’ve got to do something.
    So on Wednesday night, I open my desk drawer and pull out three sheets of stationery. Unfortunately, I have only one kind of stationery--a Christmas present from a great-aunt, I think--and it’s all different shades of pink with shoes and hats and purses all over it and says “Diva” in big sparkly letters at the top of each sheet. But, it will have to do.
    On each piece of paper, I write a note.
    Dear Nate,
    Thank you for throwing that birthday party for Abuelito last year. It was a great idea. You were very thoughtful to come up with it. That restaurant was a perfect place for it because we all know how much Abuelito loves Peruvian food. He was very happy and I know he was proud of you because he kept calling you “mi hijo” and smiling at you as if you had given him a very special present. Thank you for making his birthday so wonderful. We all had a great time.
    Love, Tori
    Dear Ben,
    Thank you for being such a thoughtful Secret Santa to Gina two Christmases ago. She was so happy that you bought her that stuffed reindeer instead of just giving her a gift card or money. In fact, she was just talking about it the other day, and it’s been a long time, so it must have made an impression on her. Gifts from the heart are so much more special than money because they show that you really thought about what somebody might like. Thank you for doing that for Gina. She’s my best friend, and I’m happy when she’s happy.
    Love, Tori
    Dear Joey,
    Thank you for taking Gina and me ice skating in January. We had such a great time. Remember how Gina kept falling down and pulling us with her? That was so funny! And thank you for buying us hot chocolate when we were all finished. That was the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted. We each drank three cups! And even when Gina and me offered to pay you back, you said it was okay and didn’t let us. That was really nice of you. I just wanted to tell you that.
    Love, Tori
    After I reread the letters, I realize that I truly meant what I said in each one. If some stranger were to pick them up and read them, he or she might actually think I have some very nice brothers. I fold the three pieces of stationery neatly and slip them into equally ridiculous envelopes with big sparkly platform shoes printed in the lower left-hand corners. Then I tiptoe into the hallway and slide the letters under each of my brothers’ bedroom doors. I have no idea if they’re in their rooms or not, but either way, I’m not about to hang around and wait for their reactions.
    Quickly and quietly, I steal back to my room and close the door behind me. Then I climb into bed and click off my lamp. As I snuggle down under my covers with my favorite stuffed dragon Starfire, I realize that I feel warm inside. No matter what happens in the morning, I know I’ve done something good.
    To my surprise, I wake up before my alarm on Thursday, and have plenty of time to get ready at my own pace (especially since it’s a little too early for Ben to be in the bathroom yet). I layer my green hoodie sweater over a purple tank top and wear them with my favorite jeans, the ones that have embroidered peace signs down the legs. I brush my hair and decide to let it hang loose. Then I slip my feet into my Converse and pick up my backpack. I stroll casually out of my room, through the hallway, and down the stairs.
    Mom looks shocked to see me up this early. “Well, good morning, Tori,” she says.