I think I was so persistent in part because this strategy actually had worked out one time before, with another friend who had a misfortune and attempted to fall off the face of the earth. I just kept sending her postcards till she felt capable of responding.

But I think it worked out better, actually, because I really didn't expect or need her to write back and therefore wasn't exasperated when she didn't - because we never had the kind of relationship where we talked a lot about our feelings. Whereas Caitlin used to call herself my best friend.

But that was back in high school, so I guess she's moved on.