Rationale

Mark Haddon wrote a masterpiece named “The Curious Incident of the Dog in
the Night-Time”. This displays the life of an autistic child called Christopher, who
discovered that his father was the murderer of a dog named Wellington, so he
was not trustworthy anymore and now he represented a menace for
Christopher. Due to this, Christopher decided to desert father’s house and look
for his mother.
This task has as overriding aim to get deeper into Ed’s (Christopher’s father)
feelings right after his beloved child decides to leave home. Because, despite
he looks tough, he dies for his child. This will be carried out through an informal
letter by Ed to Christopher sent to Christopher’s mom’s address, where he
opens up and states all his repentance for having committed that crime and his
huge desire of recovering a relationship of confidence with his kid.
For this, I chose a letter, which is a great way to communicate to someone in a
personal and private manner. As the receiver is a little kid (Christopher), the
letter must be enough readable and understandable, so it will be written using
informal register, but with a very affectionate tone so that Christopher is not
frightened of him anymore.
Words Count: 206
 36 Randolph Street
Swindon, WILSN1
England, UK
18th October 2010
Dear kiddo,
How are you getting on? I have been very concerned since you left home. I
thought of the worst things that might have happened to you, alone on the
streets. No thinking, I got in my van and drove towards your school in case I
received any response about where you might be, but I got nothing. I was
getting on my nerves because I know you do not like being around strange
people and I do not want you to suffer. I called the police to look for you, but
they told me that you resisted going with them because of what I committed.
The reasons why Wellington is in heaven, because of me, are too complicated
to explain. When you get older, I know you will understand everything and you
will decide what to do. For the time being, what I want most is you to keep in
mind that I am sorry for having committed that crime. Actually, I know my words
will not amend the damage I caused to you and Wellington. I took someone’s
life away to let all my anger out and that is unforgivable, even I cannot forgive
myself. Due to this, I am being punished, not by law but by your absence and
you being frightened of me. If now I had a wish, I would have used it to go back
in time and prevent this from happening. Can you see some wrinkled parts in
this letter? It is because I have been weeping for so long and my tears fell onto
this. Nothing hurts me more than that dog suffering because of my fury. No
knowing what to do, I just apologize.
Now you are gone and afraid of me, I understand many things. Chiefly, I will
always be giving my best to offer you a dignified life. You are whom I love most
and I would put my life at risk if necessary just to safeguard your integrity and
see you smile and grow. What I mean is that I was not a threat to you and I will
not be either. I know my attitude is sometimes hot-tempered. Maybe that is what
took me to commit that crime. However, now my biggest desire is to take your
confidence back. You are the best I have had of all my misfortunes. Knowing
that you think I could murder you makes me feel depressed. I would love you to
remember that I am always on your side, doing everything I can and more so
that you can succeed. For example, when I went to the police station to get you
of there or when I argued with your teacher so that you can take A-level maths.
I have been always helping you out because I am your father and that is never
going to change. I only ask you for a second chance and I swear I will never do
something similar to neither you nor anyone.
Do you remember when we went on an excursion to the lake or Twycross zoo?
We will carry on doing that activity but I want you to feel safe with me. I know
you went to your mom’s house and I will give you all the time and space you
need. I will be waiting for you response when you think you can trust me once
again and try to build up together a new relationship founded on confidence.
Lots of love
Father Ed.
Word Count: 596