June 15, 2005
Dear Rick,
I must say that when I first saw your name on the envelope, I didn’t recognize it at all. But after I read your letter and thought for a while, I remembered you. I recall your efforts to convince me that science fiction is as worthy a form of literature as any other. I also recall that you were one of my better students. As for your classmates, I remember the names vaguely. If you described them to me, I would no doubt be able to recollect them with greater clarity.
I am still teaching, and enjoying it very much. My current students don’t appreciate me as much as I think they should, but doubtless it’s harder to see a teacher’s good side when she is busy giving you homework and tests. I am very pleased to hear that you and your classmates enjoyed my class. There’s nothing that a teacher loves to hear more.
If you are ever in the area, please drop by and visit.
Sincerely yours,
Margaret Nelson
亲爱的瑞克:
我必须说,第一次看信封上你名字时,我压根儿也认不出来。但是在看了你的信并想了一下后,我就想起你了。我记得你拼命想说服我科幻小说以文学的形式来说是和任何其它的作品一样有价值的。我也记得你是我较优秀的学生之一。至于你的同学,我对他们的名字都记不得了。如果你向我描述他们一下的话,我确定更能清楚记起他们来。
我仍在教书,并乐此不疲。我现在的学生并不那么地感激我,不过老师忙着给学生出家庭作业及考试时,要看到她好的一面当然难上加难了。我很高兴听到你和你班上的同学都喜欢我的课。老师最爱听到这个不过了。
你若来我们这里的话,就请顺道来坐坐。
玛格丽特‧尼尔森 敬上
2005年6月15日