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Challenge
The Letter Experiment
If you could write a letter to anyone, known or unknown, dead or alive, in your neighborhood, from a movie, a band, a play, a comedian- anyone- would you share it? Do it now. Just for this prompt. Letters should start out "dear (so and so)," and can be up to 500 words. Example recipients are many: Robin Williams, George Clooney, your father, your ex husband, Barack Obama, Marilyn Monroe, Mila Kunis, Jonathan Davis, the bus driver, the uber driver, etc. This is an experiment, not a competition, so shoot for likes but aim for your recipient. Details: This is a test of how much people enjoy letters as an outlet. Who knows, a future website may showcase letters from all over the world. But for now, write a letter (or two).

Dear Jack,

The last time I saw you was three years ago. I liked you in 7th grade, when we were just 12. It feels like forever ago even though it’s just a fifth of our life ago. Maybe it was just a childish crush. I’d hate to think so though because I still think about you sometimes.

I didn’t want to leave, but I think it might have been better this way. I know I am too shy to have done anything about the way I felt anyway. I would have just watched from the side as you held hands with Savannah, went to homecoming with Ireland, or flirted with Ellie.

I liked that you were always happy, always positive, always nice. Your smile was beautiful. Or maybe I just imagined that(doubtful). You made me laugh. I value that in people.

I’d help you with math sometimes. Once we were the only two in the class to get 100% on a test.

You’d joke around with your boys, tell them I was like your mom. When I told everyone I was leaving, you were one of two who asked for my number, the phone number I didn’t have and couldn’t give.

On the last day of school, we were all seated in the auditorium waiting to hear who was voted greatest achiever and who had helped the most people strive to be better. A lot of people told me they voted for me. I was so excited. It felt good to have the support and love from everyone who had welcomed me to the school just 3 years before. Your name was called as one of two 7th grade winners. I was excited for you. I couldn’t help thinking I might stand next to you up there. but I didn’t. I was sad, but it wasn’t her fault.

On the last day of school, every year there is a dance. We pack ourselves in the loud, gymnasium to dance and have fun. Brave people asked other people to dance during the slow songs. I wanted to ask you to dance. But I didn’t. And I regret it.

I don’t know if you know, but the year after I left, I thought about you a lot. I kept praying for summer not just to be done with school, but because that’s when I would be taking the annual two day road trip across half the country to visit family and friends.

How’ve you been sense I left? I heard that you are different now. Sadder, less you. DI’d you miss me? I heard a lot of people missed me. That made me happy. Not you missing me, but that you remembered. It feels nice to be remembered fondly.

If I came back right now and you saw me, what would you do? What would you say? If I see you next summer, could you remember me, so I would be happy? Could I give you a hug?

Love from,

Mary E. B.

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