A Long Way From Home

Dear Hannah

Hannah was the girl that lived just beyond the pine. A three story house, hunched deep in the brushes, stuck up above those pines. And the light from her top bedroom was a beacon in the fog. On slow nights, I would call to check on her. I know her dad wasn't friendly. I know by saying it that way that Im putting it delicately.
I would use phrases like, "Just checking in." Or "I could see that you are awake. Anything bothering you?"
The truth is I just wanted to hear her voice. Because something about it was unexplainable. If she were alive today, I would say these things to her. I found a letter that was meant for her eyes only. I cried when I pulled it from the crack in my floor board.

Dear Hannah Mcay,

I saw you the other Friday night. I wanted to holler at you but didn't get the chance. You flew past. Anyway. Im not sure how to say this but here it goes. I like you alot. Everyone can see that. Im not keeping it a secret. I just wanna' know if you like me too. I love that we flickered lights at each other last night. It was fun. Maybe you and I could go for something to eat or a walk. Ill have my mom talk to yours. But I'm going to lay down. Goodnight Hannah Mcay.

P.S.

Yes or No?

.......

I found that letter. It had developed quite a bit of dust on it. But as I read I could see that Hannah knew I liked her. Everyone knew. Surely she found out from one of her friends.
It gives me chills to think about the lights flickering. She's been gone for three years now. Sometimes after midnight I walk over to my window and look up over the pine. And every now and then her bedroom light flickers. I always assume it's her saying hello. I prefer that it's a hello. Because the alternative is that she's being attacked by her father again and flickering those lights is a cry for help. Either way, I remember you Hannah. I promise to never forget our friendship.