December 24th

Dear friend,

I know it’s been a long time since I’ve done one of these, but I’ve been thinking about you a lot, so I thought I’d do just one more. The reason I stopped in the first place was because I didn’t think it was healthy, but I couldn’t keep you out of my thoughts. I wanted to move on, but even after my last letter, I haven’t stopped thinking of you and I know you haven’t stopped thinking of me. I’ve been getting your messages. The stories you tell make me want to come up and visit you soon. Really soon. The hard part is that everyone else says I won’t find you, but I know where you are because you’ve told me. I’ve thought about telling everyone what you’ve said, but I know you wouldn’t want that. So, I’ve kept it all secret.

It's very cold out right now. My shivering is making it hard to write clearly. The snow is pretty, though. Does it snow up there by you? I think I would miss it. I bet your view of the winter sky is incredible. We’ll have time to stargaze when I get there. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other; I just can’t wait. Four years to the day today. I figured it was about time. Can you believe I wrote a letter every day for the first three years? Crazy. Did you keep them all? I sure wouldn’t have, but I know you always liked to be sentimental and all. Sorry I haven’t been keeping up. I got busy and life distracted me for a long time, but now I can’t ignore these feelings any longer.

People say they’re worried about me. My mom says she’s worried. She says I shouldn’t visit you because once I get there, I won’t be able to find you and I won’t be able to come back. I wonder why they weren’t so worried when you left. You’re already on your own up there and everything seems to be going great. Everyone tells me that it’s too late, that you’re not there, and that you aren’t able to come back. I know you won’t come back; why would you want to? You never liked it here, and without you I’ve realized how much I don’t like it either. I wouldn’t bring you back even if I could. Still, your mom worries, too. She says she’s tried reaching out to you, too, but got no response. Why haven’t you answered her? I can’t be so special that you’ll only talk to me.

You should try writing letters like I did. She’s talked to me a few times about wanting to visit you. She says if I did and never came back, my mom would be devastated. Just like your mom was when you left. She tries to convince me that you didn’t want to leave, but I know you did. You had thought it over for a while and had your mind set on it, and as your friend, I didn’t want to upset you by making you stay. Besides, we’ve stayed connected, so it doesn’t feel like a ton has changed between us. Still, I want to see who you’ve become since you left. I’m sure you’re different somehow, even if it’s hard to tell only speaking through messages. I should be there tonight actually, so I’ll just give this letter to you in person.

I can see the bus right now. I see its headlights through the storm, but I don’t think the bus driver can see me yet. My black coat makes sure of that. As much as I hate the cold, the snow makes this whole thing a lot more pleasant. I can’t say I’m sad in the slightest right now. I’m pretty content. Mostly excited that I’ll get to see you so soon. I know you hate surprises, but let’s be honest, this was coming sooner or later. We both knew it. Only a short time now, and we’ll be with each other again just like before. I can’t wait. I’ll be there shortly, my friend. Here I come.