Dear Ali,

I should have written to you sooner. For many years now, I have wanted to write to you a letter so you would know you are not alone. I am a bit worried about you because I realized that you have been looking much thinner and have lost your beautiful green color.

Ali, remember a couple of years ago when I took you out of my car? I know you were a little confused and hurt. The reason I had to take you out was because I didn’t want to lose you. There was so much theft happening in the neighborhood. Criminals were breaking into cars and taking people’s possessions, and I was worried that someone would steal you. Ali, you are so precious to me, and it would break my heart if someone stole you. That is why I decided to find a more comfortable place for you. I moved you to my bedroom, where I know there is safety and privacy.

Ali, I also know that you have been mistreated when my family comes over. One time, I found you on the floor, and I almost lost my marbles. When I first got you, all those years ago, I made a promise to take good care of you, so I apologize for not doing a good job of keeping you safe. I promise to improve. I will be putting a sign on the door that says “Do Not Disturb” so my family won’t bother you when they come over. 

I have so many memories of the two of us together. Do you remember all the fun we had driving to places like Coney Island or to street fairs on Long Island or on trips to the shopping mall? On our way home from those places, we would drive so fast that we used to overtake everything and pretend that our car was like the one from The Dukes of Hazzard TV show. I miss those days, and sometimes I regret taking you out of the car, but as I said before, it is for your safety. 

Do you remember my friend Cordelia? Do you remember the time when you were in the front seat of my car, and she opened the door and saw you? You looked so real and really scared her. Ali, I know you were laughing inside. I was, too. It was hilarious the way she screamed and jumped away from the car. I miss those days. 

Ali, I just want you to know that although you might feel that you don’t fit in, you belong to me. Discrimination may be rampant in this society but not in my home. Even though we have contrasting complexions, you being green and me being black, it makes no difference to me. I promise that I will always love and keep you as safe as possible. That’s what friends are for. And I want you to know that no matter what, you will always be my special stuffed alligator. 

 Your Best Friend, 

 Nigel 

Nigel Clarke came to New York from the island of Barbados in 1988. Today, he is working to get his GED and hopes to get a better job. He studies with Melissa Thomas at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Adult Learning Center to improve his vocabulary and writing skills. Winsome Pryce-Cortes the site manager.