It All Started With A Holiday Card

Icy Eyes

      Nathan sat down in the cafeteria to read Leila's letter and to write her back. When he was done reading he pulled the photo out of the envelope. He stared at the girl he had been writing to. She looked familiar even though they had never met. He loved her sparkly blue eyes. They were shooting ice into his heart. He was in love. 

      He began writing her back. 

      You said I would be scarred for life by your face. When I saw how beautiful you are, I was speechless. How could anybody be scarred by your sweet icy eyes? We need to meet in person. However, I'm not allowed to leave the hospital. I would appreciate it if you would come to visit me. Let me know and I'll tell you my schedule and tell you when it's ok to come here. -Nathan

      Nathan had to go back to his room because his nurse was about to come in and make sure everything is ok and that he actually ate food that day. His nurse would take his letter and send it to Leila. 

      Nathan has a history of not eating when he's supposed to. On those days he sits in his room and stares at the wall because he has a headache and doesn't want to see anybody. Nathan's parents don't come to see him because they are both drug addicts and can't risk stepping into a hospital and being caught and arrested. He has one friend who comes to see him sometimes. His name is Keith. He used to live next door to Nathan. Then Nathan got thyroid cancer when he was 10 and had to move into the hospital to be watched. He went through dark times when Keith got arrested 6 months ago and couldn't visit him. Keith was caught hanging with some gang members who were dealing drugs. That was Nathan's lowest time.

Leyla's life- 2 days later...

      Leila received Nathan's letter from her art teacher and ripped it open as soon as she got the chance. Leila smiled at Nathan's sweet comments. She never considered her eyes as icy, but now she kind of likes it. Leila immediately wrote a letter back.

      I never noticed that my eyes are icy, but I kind of like it. I appreciate your sweet words. No one has ever been that nice to me.  I would love to come to visit you. My aunt works at the hospital in payroll for nurses and doctors. I'll ask her to give me a ride whenever you're free. I'm excited to meet you because you seem so much nicer than other kids that I hang out with. See you soon. -Leila

      She took her letter to her teacher and asked her to send it to the hospital. Leila couldn't wait to meet Nathan in person for the first time. She wondered what it would be like. 

      Would it be a friendly greeting? Or would it be a humorous comedy show between them? Will it be awkward? Is Nathan as nervous as I am? Do I like, like him? Does he like, like me? Am I putting too much thought into this? All her friends scream "yes" in her face because she was thinking out loud. "I can't wait," Leila says to her friends.