Cover Letter:



Teen Ink, P.O. Box 30
Newton, MA 02461
(617) 964 - 6800
Editor@TeenInk.com



Dear Teen Ink,

Life is full of ups and downs. The measure of a man is discovered by what a person does in those times of trial. My short story, Dear Mr. Jones…, is a humorous tale which follows the correspondence of two men, Mark Pentiworth and Alexander Jones, as they communicate over a sum of money that is passed between them. The story paints the difference of the two men; one being a gracious benefactor, the other being a selfish drunkard, and shows the extremes that greed can lead toward.

My family has a history of drinkers and addicts. Many of them were, and have been, able to turn themselves around before they became out of control. I have been blessed to never have come face-to-face with the opportunity to drink, but I have seen it up close. In San Francisco I saw what it does and want to pass a warning along. I hope to use this story to show teens what can happen, and that it’s not cool.


Ian




Dear Mr. Jones…









March 23, 1924

Dear Mr. Jones,
Last week during Happy W. Montgomery’s birthday party there was a little incident between you and me. You gave me a large wad of cash and told me to use it wisely. I’m writing this letter to tell you that I am using it to your greatest expectations. I have purchased a plot of land which I plan to develop into an orphanage for boys. The children I am doing it for a very excited and wanted me to wish you their thanks.
Signed,
Mr. Mark Pentiworth.

April 11, 1924
Dear Mr. Pennyworth,













Whoon eerth are yu? I ve no idea wat yur talking bout, and lsssst weak my friendss say I wasd sstone drink. That’ss abserd dough cause I’be never had a ick of whidky in my life. If I gave you any mnnney I wuld like it back peese. My rent is due and I could use a dink. I will give my adres in this lettr so u can send me the mney.
Your friend,
Alexander Jonessss.


April 28, 1924
Dear Mr. Jones,
I had a despicable time trying to decipher your writing. As for sending you the money I’m afraid that just isn’t possible. I’ve paid the developers, and construction on the foundation has already begun. From what I’ve seen of the designs it is going to be quite beautiful. If you could see what the money has done you would be quite proud. The children are so excited!
Your friend,
Mark Pentiworth.

May 17, 1924
Dear Pendinwort,












Inedtha mony Pent… Pent… Mark. My realtor is gettn antsy. She says if e don’t pay ep then I gotta move. I need you ta send my the money. It isn the getting kicked out that’s bad but I havn had a solid drink in ova a, a week. My soul is dryn up man! I don care whaat you have todo. Slave me!
Alecxander Jones.

June 26, 1924
Dear Mr. Jones,
I’m sorry but it’s truly impossible for me to get you the money. It has all been used on the orphanage, which is almost complete! We are ready to move in as soon as it is finished. Oh how excited they are! Three of them asked if they could sleep in the house while it was still under construction. Isn’t that adorable? I would send you the money for your apartment fee if I could, but there is no way I will send you money to further your drinking habits.
Sincerely,
Mr. Pentiworth.

July 2, 1924
Dear mr. Pondowork,













Give me the money! I don’t care abut your orphanage, and I do not care about your children! I need that money, please! I havnt had a good drink in over a moth. I need that money. Give it to me r youll be sory. Your children ‘ll be sorry. Heck, even you dog will be sorry!


July 11, 1924

Dear Mr. Jones,

I will not have you talking to me in that manner. As of this moment I am severing this acquaintance. I don’t want to hear your name. You have threatened me and the children I am helping. There will be repercussions. Good day sir.
Sincerely,
Mark Pentiworth.
Excerpt from the Beauville Times:


December 23, 1924

At three o’clock last night there was an attempt at arson. One Mr. Alexander Jones tried to burn down the newly installed Pentiworth Home for Boys. Mr. Jones was caught in the act of pouring kerosene over the premises by a pair of roving officers nearby. It took fifteen minutes to subdue him and several times he came close to lighting the house. After he was captured, police found two packets of matches, a small pistol, a bottle of whiskey, and a ticket from, and to Saint Louis Missouri, on his personage. Afterwards, the police investigated the orphanage, and find it empty except for the unconscious headmaster, Mark Pentiworth. It is apparent that Jones intended to burn the building down on top of him. When asked by reporters for a statement all Mr. Jones said was “He owed me.”


Autobiography

Ian is a talented young author who has travelled on many expeditions and adventures. His churning imagination is only surpassed by his burning passion and his control over words. Having an army of experiences to call upon, his writing is full of memories. He is presently working on a piece of science fiction; which will combine