Message in a Bottle [LGBTQ+] [ONC 2024]

Letter #3

Dear Eli Webster,

First of all, thank you for answering my wish so quickly. I must admit that I checked the stream out of curiosity, but I was pleasantly surprised to find your letter.

I understand your reluctance to respond, but I am grateful you did. It scarcely matters if you are a wordsmith. The correspondence is enough for me and just knowing there is someone out there reading my words. A friend is all I desire and I hope that is something we can build through our writing.

You have no reason to be worried about who I am.

This is not a practical joke. Anyone who would do such a thing has questionable morals. I am entirely genuine in my questions and my responses, though I know my letters reveal little about who I am. Rest assured that I am in this for the reason I gave in my initial letter. My name may not be known to you yet, as my family and I have just moved to the area. You shall come to know us soon enough.

I do not think you are lazy simply for finding your passion for other things. Finding the beauty on a fishing trip or noticing a bottle resting at the bottom of a stream suggests you see more than most. You see the things people often ignore and that can only be a positive, at least from where I am sitting.

You are the sort of person I would be pleased to know more about.

As for your father, he does not appear to be a decent man. Forgive me for being forward, but it is possible for someone to have more skills than just working a farm. Strength can come from many places, and although you may not be physically strong, you can be mentally and spiritually strong, too. You should be appreciated for the way you are, not expected to be someone else.

For the time being, we cannot meet in person. I understand that you believe this to be a joke, and I hope my reassurances are enough. Perhaps one day, but it is too soon.

Maybe you can tell me more about yourself. Do you have any siblings? What are your favourite subjects?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours

Samuel.

~~~

First Published - March 23rd, 2024