The Hollow Shell ✔️

James's message to Dalton

Dalton,

First of all, you're an idiot for sending this mail to the wrong address. My neighbour had to come to my house at six in the morning to hand me the letter.

Second, I miss you, man, as cheesy as that sounds. I haven't seen you in three years and we have to see each other again. So I could give you a good pounding. I'm touched that you shared this 'secret' to me. It's not everyday your idiot of a friend confesses his deep feelings for a girl. Here's what I thought:

Don't give up on her.

If she really is who you say she is, then she'll be stubborn. One day, you'll realize that you're pulling your hair out of frustration. Girls like that aren't easy, man. Girls like that are rare. And you're lucky to have found this rare gem.

Remember the day we found a ring at the park? It was beautiful and I was worried about the owner who lost it. You, however, seemed ecstatic. You immediately wanted to sell it to a nearby pawnshop and divide the money for us both. Dick move, man. Two days later, the police were outside your house, demanding your parents to question the twelve year old kid who sold the ring.

But anyway, that's a story for another time. Don't worry. I'm not saying the police will barge into your place for losing this rare woman. I'm saying that you'll have regrets. Painful regrets that'll make you want to question your sanity. Ha. Just like you did when you were grounded after the ring incident for four months.

It won't be easy, Dalton. Damn, with women, it's never easy. I told you one time that we should make a book about women to help millions of men out there. It's not going to happen any time soon, because I'm as clueless as the next guy. Women will always be a mystery.

Every woman is a mystery in her own way.

And it's up to the man who loves her solve that mystery. Be patient with this girl. Know her well, know her secrets and keep them. Show to her that she means a lot, no matter how deep in denial she is. Make her believe in you. Make her hope. Make her love you.

But this goes both ways. You should also believe in her. I know it's your first time feeling something this deep about anyone because you never introduced me or talked about any girl since I moved away. She must really mean something. I'm glad you told me about her. Maybe one day, I'll visit and see that you heeded my advice. Kate and I could talk like girlfriends and then I'll tell her old war stories and show her some baby pictures. Wouldn't that be awesome? I can't wait!

As for your last question, no, you're not going crazy. You're already crazy, man. One of the most crazy people I know and I only know a few. Win Kate's heart before you piss yourself and cry back to mommy that you didn't get what you want. Ha. I'm joking man, but seriously, don't lose this girl.

Your one and only brother from another cousin's mother,
                                             James