I wave shyly, waiting for her to turn and leave.Please leave so I can do the right thing and get on my way too.
She does eventually, and after her dark hair disappears through the glass doors at the Jacksonville airport, I go through security and head back to the place I now call home.
JANUARY, 2029
Dear Asher:
You know, there’s something really interesting about having a relationship with someone nobody knows about. And by relationship, I mean friendship or whatever this is. Friends with benefits? The long-distance and sex once a year kind? Anyway, there’s something really interesting about this—nobody really believes me when I tell them I have a friend they don’t know who lives in a different state, all the way up there.
The interesting thing about it, beyond people not believing me, is that they all have opinions on why I talk about you so much or why I’d rather avoid discussing certain questions altogether. It’s definitely interesting when they realize my sister’s wedding is in two months and I have a plus one but no one to bring—then, they bring you up. I’m out of excuses, and really, I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t ask, so this is me asking. Do you think you could take leave for a few days to go to this wedding with me? You totally don’t have to, but I thought I’d ask.
Now that that’s out of the way . . . I wanted to take a second to say thank you. I think this weekend with you was the best time I’ve had in a while. Thank you for helping with the birds and for goingon so many little adventures with me. I feel refreshed, and it's been a long time since I did.
Apparently, my father wrote a letter to their neighbor about the birds and threatened to send the police next time. She moved, Asher, she moved! Hopefully, this is the end for her and the poor birds she’s been neglecting.
I also wanted to say thank you for . . . I don’t know, being here for me, I guess. I love that we’ve been able to grow this friendship with few expectations, knowing that at any point, we don’t have to continue these yearly hang out thingies. As you know, the past few years have been tough, and knowing I can let go and be myself with you has been refreshing.
Now, tell me about you. Any interesting rescues lately? Let me know!
Xo,
Hales
FEBRUARY, 2029
Dear Hailey:
Happy Valentine’s Day. This year, I’m early at least. I don’t have a lot of time; life has been busy here, but I wanted to take the time and write back.
I’m glad I get to see you next month. I only have two days, so it won’t be for long, but I’m glad either way.
How’s work, Hales? I’m worried about you and your health. You can’t keep going the way you have. It will kill you, even if not physically. You can die from the inside out—did you know that? I would hate for your beautiful light to be dimmed because of your job.
Let me know if there’s anything I can do.
With warmth,
Ash
MAY, 2029
Dear Hailey:
Thank you for taking me to the wedding with you last month. I don’t think I told you how much it meant to me, but it meant a whole lot. I loved getting to know your family and getting to see you around them. Last month was a dream, and being with you and yours was definitely something I’ve never seen before. Maybe part of it has to do with me not spending time with my friends’ families growing up, because mine looked different, you know? But your family? The way they took me in like one of them, the way you all love each other? It’s beautiful.
You are lucky to be loved by so many people, and I hope you don’t take that for granted. But above all, they are lucky to be loved by you.
You have one of the most beautiful hearts I’ve ever known, and I hope you know how rare that is.
I know I brought up how concerned I am about you lately, but I’m serious. Would you do me a favor? Could you really consider your job? You need to do something for you, Hales. You need to take a step in the best direction for your health and happiness. I know you love it, but ask yourself what you love about it.
In the meantime . . . .how do you make holy water?
Think
About
It.
