Till Averell – ett brev om vänskap och äventyr

Nedan kan ni läsa en hälsning från en kollega till en annan, efter ett långt samarbete. Ibland kan man föreställa sig nästan ett helt liv bara utifrån ett enda personligt brev.

To Averell,

I’m writing to say I hope you are well. The last time we spoke, I believe my choice of words implied that I wished for the opposite. I am sorry for this. I suppose both of us were at a sort of lowest point. The funny thing is that I don’t think many people knew about our conflicts. On the contrary, and literally, millions of people thought we were the perfect duo, and from their perspective, we really were. The majority is always right.

As I’m getting to a certain age where it’s more meaningful to look back than ahead, I think a lot about those years we spent together on tour. To this day, I can’t understand how it could be that all these new cities we arrived at were new only to me. I was big-eyed and lost while you stepped into every grand salon and somewhat flea-free motel, taking yourself for granted. I don’t know if it was an act or the true you, to be honest. But I guess that’s something you have to accept living your life amongst entertainers.

The audience loved us. One must say they did. And I’m emphasizing us. After we went apart, I understand your career, just like mine, kind of faded. For me, it was in many ways for the better. Good things happened to me in the “private arena,” and I’ve lived the second half of my life in love and comfort, having all the jam and cuddles I could ask for. Though I must admit it has been a bit dull in long and short stretches.

You got me into some embarrassing and plain horrific situations, and I believe no one would have been surprised if we both were incarcerated or killed at some point. But now, as years have gone by, I also wish to tell you that those years were the most thrilling and fun times of my life. Or of anyone’s life, I imagine. And that was thanks to you. At this point, I’m almost glad I didn’t bite your head off during one of those acts. God knows I thought about it.

Your dear friend (after all),

Tony the Bear