DEAR D (pen pal edition) ✔️

100

DIMITRI

June 1st
Dear D,
Graduation day. I did it. I made it. I'm here now. I didn't trip while walking across the stage (which was my biggest fear). You'd be so proud of me, Delia. I hope. No, I know. I know you're proud of me. Mom, Mitchell, Diamond, Riley, Dennis, and Spencer all got me flowers. You'd think I opened a flower shop in my bedroom.

I bet you can't guess where I am right now. After the ceremony, I flew 4 and a half hours to Florida. I've had it planned for a while, but I wanted to surprise you. I'm sitting at your grave, writing my last and final letter. I thought it'd be fitting. Hopeful wishing that you're sitting in front of me right now, watching me write, safe and happy and at peace, finally.

I wanted to give you a last update on everyone before I stop writing to you. Dennis has a new feline-friend. Since I'm bringing Simon with me to college (obviously), I surprised him with a kitten. She's orange and chubby and her name is Delia. Dennis named her after you.

Diamond's pregnant. After she and Riley got back from their honeymoon, they made this huge announcement on Facebook. Mom almost dropped dead. That's how excited she was.

Speaking of Mom, her and Mitchell have finally set a date for their wedding. December 15th. They want a Winter Wedding. I'm helping Mom plan before I leave for college. I'm here until the end of July.

Spencer and I are better than ever. We're going to make it work. He gave me the biggest surprise this morning. He's transferring to Ohio State University so we can be together. After my freshman year, we're going to get an apartment together. Maybe even something more serious, like a cat.

Delia Ann-Elizabeth Young, you were the greatest best friend and pen pal I've ever had. Four years ago, I was just a fucked up 15-year-old writing to a stranger because my therapist suggested so. Who would've thought that I'd meet another fucked up 15-year-old, with awesome hair, a sick sense of humor, and a heart of gold? I never thought I could meet someone as amazing as you, but I did.

The wind just brushed over the paper and for a second I could feel your hand on mine. I imagine it's you reaching out to comfort me. You always worried about others. I'm fine. I'm here. I'm still alive. Wherever you are, I want you to feel nothing but peace. I want you to finally get that happiness you've craved for so long. I don't want you to worry about me.

I have never been more content.

Love, Dimitri