Dear Journal,

Today was the most wonderful day. I woke up to the mingling of hummingbirds a'whistlin and brother Nathan's favorite radio show. I don't know what it is called but it must involve a lot of fooling 'round cause I can hear the bellows of laughter filling every corner of the house. I rose from my mattress to find the early mornin' sunshine streaking through the closed blinds across my empty room. It was so warm and beautiful I thought for a short moment that heaven had descended upon us.

Those two children from the other side of the street were yelling and screamin' who knows what. I knew the girl was Jean Louise but called Scout and she was younger to her brother Jem cause Nathan told it to me. At first I didn't know it for the reason that she ran just as fast and played ball just as rough as both two boys put together. It certainly was a sight to see.

Many times I wondered about what happened to her ma. I miss my ma alright, but I imagine the Jean Louise must miss hers something terrible. Life for her must be something right peculiar. I think no one should have to grow up without their ma, even with a smart respectable daddy like Atticus.

Nathan says no ma in their right mind would let a little girl roam the streets like Atticus does. I didn't say nothin' then but inside I did not agree. I thought it was nice Jean Louise could find happiness playin outside with boys, with the afternoon heat beating down on her tan brown face.

How I wish Nathan would let me join them. I watch everyday from my window the children cavortin and foolin around in the soft green grass of Miss Maudie's yard. I imagine ants and ladybugs crawled all over their barefoots. I imagine it tickled.

Tomorrow I've decided to leave them a surprise in the old oak tree in front of our house. There is a hole bout a foot long and half foot deep. I reckon that's more than enough big for what I have in mind of giving them. If I'm lucky maybe they'll know it was from me and soon they'll come and visit. Maybe Nathan would even let me come out to visit with for a time. And what a time that would be!

I suppose I should get to bed now. Nathan says it is important to get a good night's rest in anticipation of the long day ahead of you. I don't think this applies to me much. All I do is sit around all day on my window and sometimes listen to the static of the radio. Oh well. I reckon Nathan know what he's talkin' about. He's my brother and I know better than to question what he knows best for the both of us.

Sincerely yours,

Arthur W. Radley