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

Letter #11

Dear Eli,

All words have failed me.

I have sat down to write this letter so many times, but I still can't manage to figure out what I want to say or the best way to say it. Since Victoria handed me your letter, alongside the news of the attack, I have read it to the point of commiting your words to memory. It is the only thing that has kept me going these past few days.

Victoria brings me updates on your progress and each day I thank God that you are still with us. She says it was close for a while, but that each day you grow stronger and I am forever grateful that she keeps me informed. I hope that soon you will soon be strong enough to reply to me, but I know that will take time.

I will forever be grateful that you decided to write to me when you found my letter, and that you have continued to do so despite me being less than forthcoming with information. You did not need to write to me, nor did I expect a reply to my last letter, but I am glad you did. It is nice to know that there is someone out there who sees me for me, not for the person they assume me to be.

Despite what you said about not being very eloquent, your last letter captures many of my own feelings about our correspondence. You too have become a friend to me and I feel as though I know you without ever having met you. I feel closer to you than perhaps anyone else I know. I know I have let you down and been vague in my answers, but I promise that will change.

Maybe one day, when you have recovered enough, we can meet in person. I think I would like that. Victoria has told me what you look like, but you know nothing about me. We can arrange it as soon as you are well, I am sure Victoria will help us.

I hope to hear from you soon, though you must look after yourself. I would rather you recover first than worry about writing back to me.

Yours,

Samuel

~~~

First Published - April 19th, 2024