Compassion and Oblivion

Chapter Eleven: Doubt

The rest of the morning was a little dreary, despite your best efforts at not feeling saddened by hearing that Abigail and Sebastian were an item. Of course, that makes sense. They look like they'd be a great fit for each other, and if they're happy, I should be happy. I don't need a relationship right now, I have my hands full as it is. I should just get over it.

So, you tried to get over it.

There's plenty of work to be done today, may as well get started instead of moping around. You step out to check your mailbox, which contains three letters - the first of which being a gift from Shane.

***

Hey,

I thought it would be fun to write you a letter. I don't really know what to write though.

Guess I just wanted to say thanks for hearing me out last night. It's been a while since I've talked with someone who didn't have anything judgmental to say to me. Means a lot. If you ever wanna hang out again, I guess I'd be alright with that.

Here, I've enclosed a treat for you. Don't tell anyone, but I snagged this from the back room of Joja-Mart ages ago.

Okay, see you soon.

-Shane

***

Below his name, he had scribbled his phone number. Along with his letter is a frozen pizza, which is luckily still frozen due to the frigid winter temperatures. You save Shane's number to your phone and send him a quick text.

You:

Hey, it's (Y/N). Thanks for lunch, I haven't had a chance to buy groceries yet.

Shane:

👍

He must be at work right now, you presume. I guess I shouldn't bother him.

The second letter is an apology from Haley, if you could even call it that. After seeing the letter came from her, you debate if you even want to open it. Needless to say, curiosity got the better of you.

***

Before you think anything, no, Emily didn't put me up to this.

I was really insensitive yesterday. I guess you made some valid points. I suppose if I had been trailing back and forth between a moving truck and my house all morning, my shoes might be a little dirty, too. I had no reason to say any of the things that I said. It was rude of me.

-Haley

***

I wonder if she's ever apologized to someone before, that was weak.

The final letter is from someone you haven't met yet.

***

Hello there,

Just got back from a fishing trip. You should come down to the beach sometime.

I've got something for ya.

-Willy

***

Weird. Oh well, why not? I haven't seen the beach yet since getting back, you think to yourself. You drop the few pieces of mail on the table in the kitchen, and stick the pizza from Shane in your freezer. You bundle up in your leather jacket, and grab your favorite black beanie and burgundy scarf for extra warmth. You've never really liked wearing gloves, so you don't have any. Instead, you shove your hands in the pockets of your jacket, and make your way to the beach.