Love, Will | Byler

Letter Two

Another day arrived. Another school day finished.

Mike didn't really pay attention to any class. He just wanted to go home to continue reading Will's letters.

And that's exactly what he did.

The second envelope was right there, waiting for him on his bed. Mike lay down and opened it.

2

April 7, 1986
Like 2pm but who cares.

Dear Mike,

Hi there again. I'm so happy you're reading this. (I hope you are, I mean, the previous letter was probably determining for you to keep reading)

This week has been weird, you know? It’s not like I’m using this as a personal diary or something like that, I don’t want you to spend your time reading stuff that probably you don’t care about.

But, it has been really weird.

People at Hawkins are terrified; they don’t know anything about the gates or about Vecna. It feels horrible to see their scared faces. I would be too.

But instead, I live 24/7 with this feeling of being chased by something… someone. I even got used to it.

Maybe that’s why I decided to keep writing these letters.

I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but if it’s something.. bad, I would like to have a calm heart and conscience. (But I know I would never be able to if I don’t tell these things straight in your face)

If only you had noticed…

But also... something changed, you know? And I don’t know why, but I felt it as a good change (and I feel so bad for that).

A few days ago, you came to me to talk about your struggles. I love being the one person you choose to open up to.

Then, you told me that you and El broke up.

That surprised me, shook me, and not because it bothered me or something like that. (Not only because of you, she is my sister, and I know how much she was suffering. I think she needs to find herself)

I just wasn’t expecting it. I would have never expected it.

I mean, some days before that, I sacrificed my only opportunity, my only chance to get closer to you, to confess, to do anything, just because I thought you both wanted to stay together.

And, don’t misunderstand this, Mike. I’m not considering it as a waste. I just feel more guilty than ever. If only you had told me what was really going on…

If only I had listened to you… maybe things would’ve been different.

God, I can’t find a way to say how I feel about this without sounding like an idiot. I seem so selfish.

But sometimes.. maybe sometimes, I get that feeling that you could maybe feel the same way when you think about me.

Maybe in the depths of your heart you could feel some love…

Ahg, just some intrusive thoughts. I know you don’t. And It 's okay.

I won’t stop loving you because of that. I feel free to write it here knowing that you will probably never read this.

I love you.

I love you so, so much.

If you ever feel alone, if I’m already gone, I want you to remember that there will always be someone taking care of you. loving you.

I wish it was easier to say. It breaks my heart to see you so confused, so lost sometimes.

I wish I could always protect your heart.

(You don’t have to keep reading if you don’t want to, I’m gonna be really honest about my feelings now. It feels like a kind of relief).

How could Will say that?

The truth was, Mike could not stop reading that letter. He liked what was written on it.

He loved it.

He loved Will. He realized it some months ago... but it was too late.

His tears wouldn’t stop falling down his face. But it didn’t matter, because now he knew Will loved him and was taking care of him.

Then, he kept reading…

I wish I was yours. And that you were mine.

Sometimes I imagine us doing that cute stuff that couples do, just hanging out together, holding our hands, trying new milkshake flavors, movie nights…

And my heart just melts.

And I think I’m used to imagining all of that stuff because some part of me believes that I could make you happy. Really happy.

I have so much love to give, and it’s all for you. It will always be.

Even if I wanted, I wouldn’t move on. I really want you to be my person. You're the one that I'm waiting on.

Why is love so forbidden?

Maybe people are just too scared to love like this.

That’s why they make people like me feel so different. So wrong.

But they don’t understand. They would never understand. I feel so good, so right loving you, you make me feel the luckiest person in the world to have you by my side. Even if it’s just as friends.

Best friends.

I hope to find some courage to make you feel loved before it’s too late.
Please, take care.

See you in the next letter.

Love, Will.

Really? That was all?

Mike could spend the rest of his life reading those letters.

It hurt. It hurt so bad.

But those were giving him the strength to keep going

Mike sighed as he wiped away his tears.
Will loved him. He loved Will.

God… why did he have to be gone.

Mike couldn’t stop blaming himself for not being able to save him.

Will deserved his happy ending. They deserved to be together.

Oh, Mike couldn’t stop crying. His heart was breaking in pain because he knew he would never see Will again.

And there was only one letter left….