June 5, 1995

Milan

Ethan,

I can’t tell you what a fabulous time I’m having here. Everyone is super-nice to me and the parties are awesome! I wish you could be here! You would love it. So far I’ve done two shoots, and Katherine says they want me to do some runway next month. If I do get the runway job, I’ll be working with CLAUDIA SCHIFFER!!!! Can you believe it?

Anyway, I know that you probably don’t want to hear your star struck sister ramble on about her trip to Italy while you’re stuck in boring CT. I know you were pissed at father for letting me come to this after keeping you out of the games in Lilliehammer (sp?). But I hope you’re not mad at me too.

Anyway, I miss you, and I wish you were here with me. I’m sure all the models would fall over themselves to get a chance to meet my gorgeous brother (jk). Hope all is well and that you and father aren’t fighting too much.

Of course I’m not mad at you. I’m very happy for you that you have this opportunity. Enjoy it. Never feel that father’s and my animosity for one another reflect in any way on you. I still can’t believe he had the audacity to tell the press that it was mother’s death that has kept me from preparing to the best of my abilities. How many times does he plan on using her death to his advantage? Sorry. I know you don’t like to think that way about him. But it was low even for him.

You’re in Japan! I’m so jealous. Is it fabulous? I bet it’s fabulous. I want to come visit you over Christmas break, but I doubt if the old man would go for it. He claims he’s still pissed at you for dropping out of school to do this, but I think he’s secretly kind of proud of you and of how dedicated you have been. I know I am. I also know he reads all the articles that are written about you, although he would never admit it.

It sucks that you’re not going to be here for Christmas though. It’s going to be a dreadful season without you. I’m hoping I can book a shoot during my break. I couldn’t imagine spending three weeks in D.C. with father. I think I would go mad.

I miss you. Hope training is going well.

Love,

Mara

Dec. 23, 1997

Nagano, Japan

My dear Mara,

Merry Christmas from Japan! Congratulations on the Vogue shoot. That should be a nice distraction from the holiday blues. Try not to fall into your old Italian habits though, okay?

I am doing great! Bjornn says I’m skiing to fast, but I’ve never felt more in control. I honestly believe I can win this, Mara. Father won’t have anything to complain about when I bring home the gold. We’ll see how quickly he becomes a supporter of his son’s escapades.

Six weeks to go! Wish me luck.

Love,

Ethan

PS – Maybe I can fly you out here to watch me ski in Feb. Fuck father.

Feb 10, 1998

Ethan,

Oh Ethan I am SO sorry to hear about your knee. We are all worried about you. Bjorn assures us that you are receiving top medical care and will be home soon, but Father and I both want you home. Dear brother, I know how much this meant to you. I am sorry it didn’t work out. I love you very much. Come home soon.

Mara

Mar. 21, 1998

Ethan,

It’s been over a month since we’ve heard any word from you. Now Bjorn has stopped returning my calls. Are my letters reaching you? Are you ever coming home?

Love,

Mara

April 14, 1998

Ethan,

It’s your birthday today and you’re not here. Where are you? Are you well? I miss you very much and truly wanted to celebrate your twenty-first with you. You’re legal now.

Father assures me you’re still alive because he’s still receiving your credit card bills. I miss you very much. Please come home. It’s not the same here without you.

Happy Birthday.

Love,

Mara

May 3, 1998

Son,

I know this injury has been hard on you, and that the rehabilitation has been difficult as well. But this has gone on long enough. It’s time to come home. You fought a good fight, son. There is no shame in your injury. Your mother would have been proud.

I have arranged things with Yale to get you back in school. You also have a job waiting for you with my company after graduation. Your sister graduates high school in two weeks. I expect you to be there. She is most upset by your absence.

I’m certain you’ve noticed that your credit card has been turned off. I have enclosed your ticket home along with a check to settle your expenses. If I do not see you at this graduation, you should know that this is the last check you will receive from me. Don’t settle for being poor, son, you haven’t got any experience at it.

Godspeed,

Senator John Cypress