The Letter

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Lily would not speak to Joan after what happened between them that night. Joan tried and tried again to approach her sister and apologize, but the younger daughter always slipped away. And after two weeks of silence, Joan grew anxious that she might have severed their bond for good.

She eventually gave up on going with the direct, frontal way and came up with an idea that she was sure would grab Lily's fullest attention:

A letter.

So one morning, she grabbed a stack of paper and a bottle of ink before sitting at the desk in their father's study. She thought about what to say for a moment, then poured her sentiments at the end of the quill.

**

[ To my Dearest Lily,

I know you probably do not want to hear it again, but please believe me when I say that I am sorry! You cannot even imagine how my heart bleeds at the idea that I hurt you. I never meant to cause that much pain, and even less to make you cry.

You are so precious to me, Lily, more than you can imagine. From the moment I set my eyes on you twelve years ago, I knew that you would become my everything. And I realize now that I should not have taken your feelings for granted.

I cannot say that your confession did not surprise and confuse me; in fact, I was completely shaken, to the point where I had to revisit all my memories of you, of us.

Lily, you probably do not even realize your own power of attraction. There are times where I am completely mesmerized and seduced by you, and this uncontrollable need to touch you appears at the bottom of my body. That is why I kissed you; that is why I made you miserable. And I am mad at myself for agitating you with my shameful acts during the past few months.

You are my best friend, my confidant, and there is now a hole in my heart, knowing you might never speak to me again.

Would you be willing to forgive my idiotic self? I will accept any punishment you will deem appropriate!

Your trust and friendship is more important than anything, so please come back to me!

I will always cherish you,

Joan ]

***

The eldest Whitman daughter put down the quill and exhaled. She hoped that this letter would be enough to make Lily understand. She folded the sheet of paper and slipped it inside one of the books that Lily was currently reading. And then she waited.

Emily discovered the letter that evening, as she opened her book. Her heart raced faster as she saw Joan's writing on the front of the folded envelope, and she read the letter without hesitation.

As her eyes flew over the hand-written words, she could feel the corners burn, and when she reached the end of the apology letter, tears were flowing down her cheeks. She pressed the letter against her chest and squeezed her eyes.

'This is why I cannot stop loving you.'

Lily sobbed for a few minutes before suddenly hearing someone stomping closer in the corridor outside of the bedroom. Joan opened the door in a rush and seemed out of breath.

"L-Lily!" she exclaimed, surprised.

Her green eyes traveled to the hand holding the letter and they grew wide in expectation.

"D-did you read it?" she asked nervously, closing the door behind her. Lily nodded, averting her eyes. "I am sorry, I am not a very good writer. It was probably really bad," Joan said, scratching the back of her head.

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