Jesse grew up in a military base town and was best friends with Eric in middle school. After the base closed and Eric moved away, they exchanged handwritten letters for a while but eventually lost touch. Then one day, during his senior year, Jesse saw live news coverage of students fleeing a school — and realized it was Eric’s.

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This is the first in a short series exploring the stories behind meaningful objects.

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Do you have a story about a meaningful object you want to share for this series? Email recollectorpodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @recollectorpod.

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Produced by Evan Roberts with help from Joey Plaster

Episode Art by Ariana Martinez

Music by Blue Dot Sessions