DEAR D (pen pal edition) ✔️

3

DIMITRI

August 25th
Dear Delia,
School wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I already memorized my schedule and where my classes are so I don't embarrass myself in front of everyone. California's good. It's hot. I moved here about 5 years ago. We used to live in Chicago (which is not a good place to live- btw).

I don't mind you asking about my therapist. I've struggled with depression and anxiety for a few years now (and it's only gotten worse thanks to the pressure my perfect parents left on my shoulders). My mom was 'cleaning my room' (what she told me) and found my diary under my pillow. She read it. EVERYTHING! I wrote about how unhappy I was and wished things would change, blah blah blah. Instead of coming to talk with me and asking what's wrong, she got me a therapist. Without asking me how I would feel about it. It's helped, I have to admit, but I would rather talk to my mom than a stranger who's paid $500 to pretend to listen.

I don't know how to tell my mom. I've been in therapy for over a year now and I don't want to put my parents' money to waste or seem ungrateful. They do a lot for me, even if it means invading my privacy or pressuring me to be perfect. Anyway... how was your first day of school? Did you find a best friend yet? I hope it went well. We need more things to talk about because school isn't going to work for me. I have an idea. How about at the end of each letter we ask each other a question? Anything we want?

You mentioned your mom in your last letter and how you wished you could go shopping with her. Did something happen to your mom? (If I'm crossing a line, please feel free not to answer)

Love, Dimitri

(of course you can spell sincerly)