November 4th, 1952 — As the nation listens to the election returns, Joyce writes to Earl with one ear on the radio, expecting Eisenhower to win but watching closely for Stevenson’s showing in Illinois. The day feels oddly out of step, a mix of classes, knitting, cookbook organizing, and quiet shifts at work. Dorm TV nights, gossip about Johnny’s poker loss, and musings about whether to move out of the dorm next quarter punctuate her routine.
Joyce’s thoughts drift between practical matters — next quarter’s expenses, finding a job, and knitting gifts for Earl — and tender longing. She recalls her mother’s jealousy when her sister got engaged, and shares her reluctance to commit to Saturday’s game in favor of study time. The letter closes with one of her most intimate wishes: to fall asleep in Earl’s arms and wake to him still there, without the long stretches of time apart.
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