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I still get so much joy in playing my flute, but that shouldn’t be too much of a shocker.

I also love writing letters to you.

These things do bring me joy. I guess that’s why I decided to add this photo to the letter.

A Shelly smile, just for you.

Your Shelly

P.S. I want a photo of you now.

P.P.S. My god, I miss your mom’s enchiladas. Can you make them for me sometime?

february 3, 2025

My Shelly,

Why is printing photos so hard these days? I had to go to the pharmacy and print it, but I couldn’t print only one, so I had to print ten of the same photo of my face. Hernandez says I should write my number on the back and he’ll take them to work and start handing them out to his single office mates. I told him absolutely not. This picture is for one woman, and one woman only. Would you like ten copies?

Now…your picture. I can’t stop staring at it. You are even more stunning now than you were six years ago. How is that possible? How come the rest of us look worse with age, yet somehow, you are even more beautiful?

Even in those Tony Stark pajamas. Great choice in your Avenger, by the way. I would love to hear all of your Marvel theories someday. I’m not as well versed in the Multiverse (ha), but I would like a thorough education. But that would require me actually seeing you in person.

Can I see you in person? If a Marvel movie marathon is too much at first, maybe we meet at one of the cafés that you’ve discovered? Mariner’s Cover doesn’t have one yet, just the Dunkin’. But I would love to see one of your favorites. Whatever you want to do. Just as long as I get to see you.

Your Jakey Jake

P.S. I picked up the saxophone and played it this week, and it brought me an inexplicable amount of joy.

P.P.S. Yes, I’ll make as many enchiladas as your heart desires.

february 5, 2025

Jakey Jake,

Holy hell when did you get so hot?

Jake you are a MAN NOW. THAT CHISELED JAW.

Will you look this good making enchiladas? Because DAMN.

I am not more beautiful, I look like a rat. You, on the other hand...

Unsent, balled up, and left on the floor.

february 7, 2025

Shelly,

It’s late at night and I know you haven’t responded yet…but I can’t stop staring at your smiling pink cheeks in this photo. So I’m going to write this letter and put it in my mailbox while I have the courage.

Maybe this is ridiculous, and maybe I am so far out of my lane here. But these letters are making me feel bold, and writing to you has given me courage that I haven’t had in a long time. I would hate myself for eternity if I don’t shoot my shot after clearly failing to in high school.

I can’t pass up the opportunity now.

Can I make up for that night on the band bus all of those years ago?

Jakey Jake