Gregory Allen, Psy. D.
222 East Washington St.
Lansing, MI 48901

February 2, 1991

Christopher,

Surprise! Your mother and I have left you home alone for the weekend. This will serve as an introduction to adulthood. At 9, we think it's about time.

To your credit, we thought that just leaving you alone would be a little too easy for you. To compensate, we developed the following challenges.

Challenge #1: Keep the house clean. I don't want to come home to find you sick in a pile of cellophane wrappers and empty soda bottles.

Challenge #2: Overcome your fear of the dark. To aid you in this task, your mother and I have removed all of the light bulbs in the house, including the one from the refrigerator.

Challenge #3: Be a good host. We've given house keys to that angry shirtless gentleman who lives behind the convenience store. He may be stopping by one night. You're to give him a warm welcome when he does.

Challenge #4: Feed your goldfish. We've hidden it somewhere in the basement.

Challenge #5: Overcome your fear of abandonment. Self-explanatory.

If you don't complete them all, I won't love you less. Or I may, I don't know yet. Enjoy your weekend.

Your father,
Dr. Gregory Allen