Chapter 30

thirty

ENCHANTED LETTERS

night of Midnight on the Hollow

Not looking for romance. Are you in a relationship then? If so, then at least we can put the theory to rest that the mailboxes connect platonic soulmates. It sure takes the pressure off though, doesn’t it? I don’t have to try to impress you.

- Patch

P.S.- How long are you in town for?

Is that what you were doing before? Trying to impress me? And here I thought we were destined for each other. You’re right. It does take some pressure off!

- L.

P.S. — My relationship status is complicated. Life, in general, is complicated.

P.P.S. — My stay is undetermined at the moment.

That hurt a little.

But I get complicated. What do you say to a new round of twenty questions? We can share as much or as little as we like. We can get to know each other again.

First question: why is your stay for an “undetermined amount of time”? Seems a little fishy. Are you a secret agent? It would explain your disappearance.

-Patch

You’ve discovered my secret. Watch out — this letter will self-destruct in ten seconds!

For whatever reason, I picture you counting down to see if I’m actually right.

Not a secret agent. Sorry to disappoint. :)

Just trying to sort some things out and I’m a little unclear on how things will end up.

My question: are you doing what you thought you’d be doing with your life?

-L.

I thought we’d wade into the heavy questions, but here you are, aiming big from the start.

It’s not really a simple answer. Yes? No. It’s a toss up some days.

Professionally speaking: I’m exactly where I want to be. Personally speaking, I imagined my life being pretty different.

You?

- Patch

My life is definitely not where I imagined it would be. Professionally or personally.

Personally speaking, we’ll see.

Professionally speaking, I’m great at what I do. Really great. I wanted to do something different though. I want… more freedom. Flexibility. A voice. It’s scary to write all of this out.

What if I’m actually not great at what I do, and it’s all an illusion because there’s always been a safety net in place? So to speak.

- L.

I bet you’re great at what you do and the illusion is only in your mind. But if you want to be sure? Remove the safety net.

- Patch