𝐀𝐩𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞

1-20

*Pay attention to the dates.*

March 18, 2020

LEON

"How do you accept death? You probably would've had some wise ass answer for me."

Chuckling, I leaned back on the fresh grass. Death surrounded me. It seeped from the tombstones and fell on my exposed skin, creating a thick layer of dread on my flesh. I didn't want to be here, it made me uneasy.

"Remember your first letter? I thought you were weird as fuck." Laying on my back, I squinted at the cloudy sky. The sun had yet to show its face all day. It made this moment harder. "I miss you," I whispered, hoping he was somewhere listening. "I hate that you're not here. You was supposed to be here nigga. Fuck."

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May 2013

Hello Leon,

My name is Malik and I'm 16 years old. I'm very happy to know that you're my new pen pal. I hope we can be close friends! You're probably curious, so I'll tell you about myself. I live in Bath (It's a city in England). It's pretty boring over here, and there are a loooot of white people. I mean, I don't mind, but where are all the black people? It gets pretty lonely, but I spend my time reading. I also like to build legos. It's really fun to see how each piece fits together. I'm going to University soon, so these are my last years to make new friends. How old are you? I like riding my bike all over the city because it has a nice view. Why do you think people exist? The world is so pretty without us; I don't think we add much. I'm getting off-topic, sorry. Tell me about yourself.

Sincerely, Malik

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June 2013

Wassup?

My name's Leon. I'm 14 but don't think I'm a punk just cause I'm younger. I guess we could be friends, ion see why not. As long as you aren't whiny. Are you a wuss? My French teacher calls wussy people neenies. I live in New York, shoutout to 092MLBOA. We don't have a lot of crackas here. I don't like them anyway. I don't like reading, it's boring. I can't focus and I get distracted. I've never had legos, ma said they're expensive. Oh well, I'd rather hang out with my friends. Ma says we're bad as hell but ion think so. We just don't like any disrespect. Cooking is my only hobby – I like when people eat my food. I'm usually outside playing basketball. You're asking weird questions, my nigga. We exist cause we do. Is there a better explanation? What's your favorite movie? If you say a white ass movie, I might have to cut you off.

That boi Leon

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June 2013

Hello Leon,

You're still a little baby. I hated being 14 cause I had no freedom. Lol, I'm not a punk, but I wouldn't say I'm bold either. Confrontation is scary. You speak French? I suck at it. What's 092MLBOA? Reading is fun when you're reading the right stuff. You have books, mangas, comics, and so much more. I looked up the price of legos, and your mom is right. I never realized cause my dad always gifts them to me. It sounds like you have a lot of friends! I wish I was better at talking to people. Sorry for the weird question. I want to be a philosopher so I always have a lot of big questions in mind. I don't know why we exist, but I hope there's some purpose. Or else all this is pointless. My favorite movie(s) are the Friday movies. My dad watched them with me. What's yours? Who's your favorite artist?

Sincerely, Malik

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April 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEON! You're big 15 now. I hope you had an amazing day. Tell Reina and Aamira I said hi. You're going to laugh, but I feel really happy celebrating this day in your honor. You're like my best friend at this point. Mama taught me that people can easily die, so I'm happy you got to see another birthday. I know you're going to do big things in life and I can't wait to see. Have fun with your friends and stay safe Leon. I'm gonna imagine your scrunched up face when I say this: I love you!