In 1990, when I  (be) nine years old, I wanted very much to find  penfriend. I found Ashley's address in a magazine, and decided  (write) to her.

    I sent off my letter with a little hope. Very quickly, I received her letter. my surprises Ashley was only one month  (old) than me. I learned some new expressions from her. I  (real) liked this new friend

    Letter after letter, year after year, Ashley and I continued to write to one another. A letter would be received and I'd write back right away. We would send each other birthday and Christmas  (gift).

    Eight years later, my parents decided it was time  me to meet this friend. They drove me down to Mississippi for a few days. We  (have) a good time together. We did the things that teenage girls loved to do.

    Twenty—five years after the  (one) letter, Ashley and I still have an amazing friendship. Although we don't write letters now, we communicate through mobile phones and the Internet.