_Fool_Me_Once

Hey.
          I don’t know if you’re still active here, or if you’ll even want to read this—but I wanted to try anyway.
          
          I’ve thought about you a lot over the years. About us, and how much our conversations meant to me back then. You were genuinely one of the brightest parts of my life at that time, and I carry those memories very fondly.
          
          I also owe you a real apology. I ghosted you—not once, but twice—and I won’t make excuses for that. At the time, I didn’t know how to set boundaries or communicate when I was overwhelmed, and instead of doing the right thing, I disappeared. That wasn’t fair to you, and I’m truly sorry for the hurt or confusion that may have caused.
          
          I want you to know that if I’m reaching out now, it’s not impulsive, and it’s not something I’ll repeat. I’ve changed a lot since then. I’ve learned how to communicate, how to respect both my own limits and other people’s feelings—and if you chose to reply, I wouldn’t disappear again.
          
          That said, I completely understand if you don’t want to answer. If you’re angry, if you’d rather curse me out, or if you’d rather say nothing at all—I’ll respect that fully, with no resentment or bitterness. I just wanted you to know that I’m here, that I remember you with a lot of warmth, and that some of the happiest moments of my younger years were the ones I shared with you.
          
          If you’re still around and ever feel like talking, I’d be glad to hear from you.
          And if not—thank you for who you were to me back then. It meant more than I probably ever said.
          
          Take care.  Please just consider texting me back, even if it takes you a while.

_Fool_Me_Once

@TheotherBoleynwoman 
            
            Hey Belle,
            
            I just sent you a friend request:)
            
            I’m really glad you’re open to talking again, and I completely agree about taking things slowly. I want to make sure this feels comfortable for you.
            
            If at any point you want to talk about what happened before —ask questions, get clarity, or say things you didn’t get to say back then— I’m open to that. And if you’d rather leave it in the past and just start fresh, I’m okay with that too. You don’t owe me either.
            
            As for pacing, we can do whatever works best for you. If you’d rather be the one to reach out first or end conversations, that’s totally fine. If you’re okay with me initiating sometimes, I’ll do it gently and in moderation. Just tell me what feels right, and we can adjust as we go.
            
            No pressure at all. I’m just happy to be here and take this one step at a time.
            
            Talk soon,
            —Alex
• Balas

TheotherBoleynwoman

@_Fool_Me_Once 
            Hey Alex,
            
            While you reaching out was definitely a shock, I'd be open to trying to rebuild our friendship and that trust, and my new username on Discord is: thegoldestoffinches
            
            While I am open to talking again, I'm of the opinion that taking it slowly is the best idea, and I appreciate your understanding of that. 
            
            Hope we can talk soon.
            
            -Belle :)
• Balas

_Fool_Me_Once

@TheotherBoleynwoman 
            Hi Belle,
            
            I hear what you said. You’re right about the hurt I caused, and I accept that it took a long time to fade, if it ever fully did. I’m not here to argue with that or try to reframe it: I want you to know that I understand it, and I’m still accountable for it. I’m sorry, again and always. So unbelievably sorry. 
            
            It means a lot to me that you can still acknowledge the good alongside the hurt. Those memories matter deeply to me too, and I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared.
            
            I also understand what you said about trust. I’m not expecting it back quickly, or automatically. If we do talk again, I’m okay with it being slow and cautious, and on your terms. I’m here because I want to do things differently —not because I expect anything from you.
            
            I’d like to keep talking, if you’re still open to that. Discord works for me, and I’ll let you set the pace. And if at any point you change your mind, I’ll respect that.
            
            —Alex<3
• Balas