Leila is a shy student, who rarely talks to anyone. She has big dreams, just like everybody else. She was asked to make a "Holiday Card" for a hospital patient. She never expected to receive one back.
Two days passed by and Leila hadn't received a letter from Nathan. She hated herself for overstepping her boundaries. What goes on in Nathan's life is none of her business. For the past 2 days, Leila has thought about how rude she was and she decided to write a letter and apologize.
Hi, again Nathan. You haven't responded to my last letter. I finally noticed why. I want to apologize for overstepping my boundaries. I should have never asked you questions about your health, especially because I don't know who you are and what you look like. I understand if you don't write back, but I needed to apologize to make myself feel less guilty. -Leila
Leila delivered her letter to her art teacher once again and hoped for the best. She was forced to go on with the rest of her day, feeling so guilty for butting into someone else's personal business. She mentally screamed at herself "Why didn't I mind my own business?" She couldn't forget about how terrible she had been. She hated herself for it. She didn't eat lunch, talk to her friends, or even focus in class. She sat inside her head for the rest of the day.
The next day Leila's art teacher handed her a letter. She didn't hesitate to rip it open. She didn't know what to expect. She read the letter.
Leila, you didn't overstep your boundaries. I don't mind telling you what you are curious about. To answer your questions, yes, I do have cancer. I have thyroid cancer. That's the reason I didn't write back right away. My allergies were giving me an issue and when that happens, I basically sound like I have the flu, when it's really just allergies. Imagine if I had gotten a cold, it would have been like I was dying. Hahaha. I want to know what you look like, can you send a picture? I'll send one of me, too. -Nathan
Leila pulled a photo out of the envelope.
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She wrote back.
Thanks for not being mad at me. Thanks for the photo, you should be a model. I'll send one of me, but I gotta warn you, you might be scarred for life when you see it. I admire how you are ok with telling me about your cancer. You seem like a nice kid. If you don't mind me asking, how old are you? I'm 14. A freshman in high school. You clearly know the school because you send letters here. I wish I could meet you in person because I think we would be good friends. Write back. -Leila
She attached this photo of herself.
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Leila gave her letter to her art teacher and went on with her school day.
