Without Words

31- Curiosity

A/N: Italicized portions are part of a letter.

Dear Noah,

I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year.

First thing I want to tell you is I'm not mad at you. What happened in the school parking lot was something we both didn't want. I understand and I forgive you.

I wanted to talk to you but mom won't let me and I have no idea how to contact you. I gave you my number, why are you not calling me? I hope you at least see this letter.

I want to see you, Noah. I want to talk to you and ask what happened five years ago. Matt and Dan talked to me and they're sorry on how they treated you back then. We weren't very good friends but let us make it up to you now.

I know there's more to what happened. I know that someone has hurt you and Violet. You might not want to talk about it but you need closure. You cannot self- destruct and punish yourself for what you did and didn't do in the past.

We are kids. We make mistakes. We have moments of weakness and fears, insecurities and doubts about ourselves. But that's okay. It's completely okay and valid to feel that way. There is nothing wrong with you.

You are our little brother. Whatever problem and burden you carry, let us carry it with you. We have been gone for so long and for that, we are so sorry. We hear you this time. Whenever you're ready, we will come for you.

The Fortress isn't a place or a tree house. It's the people. Come back to us, Noah.

Your Sister and Friend,

Elle.

I covered the enveloped letter in a plastic zip lock and placed it on our Rabbit Hole. I had just finished covering it up with dirt when I heard footsteps behind me. I spun quickly, almost falling on my butt and let out a disappointing sigh when I saw who it is.

"Should I be offended?" Richard joked amusedly as he walked closer to me.

"I thought you would be Noah."

"I heard what he did." He hissed and as usual, at the mention of Noah, the calm and funny Richard is long gone. "That kid has constantly been trouble. His parents couldn't even control him."

"I'm not mad at him."

"You are too good, little Ellie." He shook his head. A sad and guarded look graced his features when he looked up at the Fortress. "Did you go up?"

"I don't think I ever will." I stepped beside him as we gaze on my childhood sanctuary. "I'm content with staring at it, imagining the memories we all had as kids there."

He chuckled. "Tell that to the neighbors. They swear it's haunted."

"That's ridiculous."

"Rumors have it they hear cries and whimpers on some nights. Some even saw lights and shadow inside."

"I think some people just have overly creative imagination."

"Do you want to go inside? I'll make us some drinks." He gestured to the back door of their home. "You'd have to excuse the mess though. The missus has been gone for weeks."

"Where is Diane?"

"She visited her relatives in New York."

I bit my lip, not sure how to broach the sensitive subject, but I have to know. "Do you have news about Noah?"

"Last we heard they sent him to another rehab. Who knows with that kid?" Shaking his head in disappointment, he lead me inside. "He's wasting his life and mumbles gibberish and whatnots. You shouldn't believe anything he says."