Winning Skylinn

31

January passed quickly and soon it was February. There was a chill in the air and everyone was in their red and pink for the "month of love." I'd never been a huge fan of Valentines Day; personally, I thought every day was a day to celebrate love. But I'm not gonna lie, that specific day did make everything seem just a little more special.

My leg was healing pretty well. I still had to use my crutches, but it was to the point where it didn't hurt to put pressure on my foot for a minute or two.

I couldn't wait to get back to work. I missed the kids more than anything.

Okay, maybe not more than anything. Denver was still gone, and Jonny was still in a coma. So Matthew and the other kids were probably third on my list.

My parents were very helpful. They helped me take showers, prepared all my meals, let me watch Jane the Virgin whenever I wanted, and took me to the hospital when I had letters to deliver. That was always fun. Reading the letters, I mean.

There was no sign of Jonny getting better anywhere in his face, but I still held on to the hope that he would one day wake up. I just couldn't imagine a world without him.

When Valentines Day rolled around, I decided to spend it at the hospital. Try and get my mind off of who wasn't here for the holidays, again.

I'd written Jonny a special letter this time: a valentine. It was red with lace and sequins, like the ones I made him in kindergarten and grade school. He would probably laugh if he saw it.

The note read:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Wake up soon
Cuz I miss you

It was pretty lame, but what was I supposed to write?

"I brought you something," I said to the sleeping boy on the hospital bed.

He looked so peaceful, like he wasn't in any pain. I wondered if he was.

Inside a cookie tin, there were chocolate covered strawberries. My mom made them last night, and it took everything in me not to eat one then. Now I was glad I'd saved them.

I took a bite of the strawberry. "Mmm. Jonny, you should try one." I waved a berry in front of his nose as if the smell would wake him up. It didn't, of course.

"Sucks for you, then. You're gonna miss out." I threw my feet over the side of the chair and ate another strawberry, not bothering to care about my posture.

About an hour later, my mom and dad came in and told me it was time to leave. I didn't understand why we had to go, but I didn't have the energy to argue with them either. So I gave Jonny a hug, being careful around his bandages, and left with my parents.

When I got home, there was a letter in the mail, addressed to me. I smiled, smoothing my hands over the frayed envelope. It always amazed me that they could deliver letters from out of state. It might take a couple days, but in the end, it always got to you.

I took the letter inside and opened it in my bedroom.

Skylinn,
I really hope this gets to you by Valentines Day. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to spend it with you. Just three more months, and I'll be there!
Tonight there'll be a full moon. And I had this idea. We should both go outside and try to cover the moon with our thumb. Just like in Dear John, ya know? Remember when you forced me to watch that movie with you? You were so obsessed... Anyways, I'll be waiting. No matter where you are tonight, I love you. And no matter how far apart we are, our moons will always be the same. It's mine and yours, okay?
Happy Valentines Day.
Forever yours,
Denver

I pressed the letter to my chest, happy tears pricking at my eyes. He remembered!

~~

Right around the time Denver and I started dating, I was obsessed with Nicholas Sparks books. I'd read every one, and Dear John was my favorite.

One night, I was finishing the book for the second time, and I started texting Denver and ranting to him about the ending. "It's so stupid!!" I yelled into the phone as soon as he called me.

"Whoa, calm down," he said.

"I can't!! I'm having a mental breakdown!! So many feels!! And he's just letting it end like this?! They have to get back together!"

"Dude, you just ruined it for me!"

"What?"

"Yeah, what if I wanted to read it?"

"You don't."

"But if I did?"

"Then...I guess I just ruined it. Anyways, you should watch the movie with me."

"Ew, chick-flicks!" he groaned.

"Rude. It's a great movie. You'll love it, I promise."

"No I won't."

"Pleeeease? For me? It's my favorite book!"

"Ugh. Fine."

"Good!"

He came over the next day, and we watched the movie. And you know what? Denver cried.

~~

I picked up my phone and texted him. Just got your letter. I can't wait for tonight! 🌕.

I didn't expect a reply, but the word 'seen' appeared beneath my text. Then the little dots appeared, meaning Denver was typing something. He was actually responding! He had his phone!

Glad you got it. Planning dates over text is SO last year, he said.

I hugged the phone to my chest, like I'd done with the letter. I couldn't believe we were texting after all this time! It had been since December, at least.

It's so good to hear from you! Can you call me? I typed, biting my lip nervously.

Sure.

A few seconds later, my phone began to ring. I answered immediately.

"Well. Someone was desperate," Denver's deep voice came through the phone.

I could hardly contain my excitement. "Well duh! Oh my gosh, how are you?"

We talked for hours until he had to hang up. There were just a few more hours til dusk. Then I could start getting ready for our "date."

I still couldn't believe he'd planned all this. Or that the letter had arrived just in time! It was like a dream.

A very good dream that I didn't want to wake up from.