The Letter

Dear Maddox,

I'm sorry to give you a note like this, but I don't want to leave without telling you where I'm going. And I can't leave without letting you know how much last night meant to me. Not just the locked-in part, but all the stuff that came before it too.

Being around you makes me feel safe. Like I'm protected from anything bad. And you… You make me feel small in a world where I've always felt too big.

And I know we just met, and I know it will be hard to do long distance, but I'd like to try. I'd like to still see you. Or at least talk to you.

I hate that we never exchanged phone numbers. I assumed we'd have time to do it later. But since my time has run out, here is my number. 651-555-1304

There's no easy way to say this next part, so I'll just do it.

My mom had a stroke last night and is in the hospital. They say she'll be okay, but I need to move back home to help her run our store.

And I don't think I'll be able to come back.

I've already emailed my adviser to drop my classes. I've packed up everything in my dorm room. And by the time you're reading this, I'll either be at the bus stop outside the quad or back home in St. Paul.

I don't want to go.

And the biggest reason I want to stay is you.

I'll miss running into you. Miss you catching me when I fall off step stools. Miss hearing you call me Bunny. Miss reading to you.

We could still do that last one over the phone. Which isn't as good as sitting side by side, but it's better than nothing.

I'm sorry again for how sudden this is. But I hope you understand. And I hope you call.

Love,

Utley