John，
I would like to know if I could ask for a casual leave of absence from March 23 to 27.
Yesterday I received a letter from my parents， who are both over 70， telling me that a big flood took place at my home village， causing serious damage to my house. As the only son of my parents， I should of back to assess the situation， and help them to get over these difficulties. Though I cannot stay at home for too long a time， I should at least make arrangements for repair work. I believe my relatives in the village and my neighbors will also come to help. Financially I have no difficulties.
I will call you at 1:30p.m. or you can call me at any time.