Human
Written by Megan.
78 posts.
18 years old.
crushin'.
I am Male.
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Post by Leon Pratt on Jul 15, 2022 19:28:25 GMT
Willow had never been a writer. She didn’t have a way with words nor did she care much for reading, and yet she found herself hunched over her desk, scribbling away in her neatest handwriting. It was silly and she knew it, but she felt compelled to write letters to her loved ones after watching a film where the protagonist feared they were going to die and wrote notes to those who meant the most to them. In the end, the letters had gone to waste in the film as the protagonist obviously didn’t die—it was some medical drama where her illness was cured in the end—and Willow prayed the same would come of her own. As pointless as she hoped it would be, she found that she quite liked writing these secret notes to her friends and family. It helped put into perspective how important they were to her. She could say all the things she didn’t dare admit to the reader. She tucked each one into a pretty purple envelope and scrawled their name in the neatest script she could upon each one. Tucking them in the top drawer of her desk, she forgot about them not long after. It was like the anti-tapes from Thirteen Reasons Why. Not blaming others for her death, but cherishing the moments they brought into her short lived life—not that she expected it to be short lived.
In the middle of November, Willow doesn’t come home from her date with a senior boy named Adam. Her body is found stripped and mangled in the woods near a well known lover’s escape. The boy she’d been with is nowhere to be found. The cops are investigating, but have no choice but to lean towards it being an animal attack with the current evidence they have. Like Charlie. Like Bobbi. Willow was taken by the wolves.
Leon hadn’t meant to find them. Willow had been in the hospital in a comatose state for a week now and he’d been a wreck. If he wasn't in the hospital room with her, his parents couldn’t get him to leave the house—couldn’t get him out of her room. He slept in her bed, clinging to that last shred of hope that she’d burst through the door and whine at him for being in her room like the snotty teen she was. God, just a teen. He’d been looking for tissues, his box long empty and he wouldn’t dare rub his nose on her pillowcase, when he found the letters bundled up with a thin ribbon and a note atop it.
“If I die without saying goodbye, please know these would be my last words. I love you all,” was carefully written on a sticky note. Leon hiccupped, a sob building in his chest as he set it aside and thumbed through the letters. There were so many people who had been important to his little sister, who had made Beacon Hills her home. She’d been so spiteful when they’d arrived, but so quickly, she’d warmed under the sunny rays of these people’s kindness. His name was first, then their parents before a handful of friends. It was so strange. So forward thinking of his silly little sister and he couldn’t help but wonder if she knew this would happen, if she sensed it. That made his stomach churn. Leon placed his letter aside, not quite ready to read it yet—not ready to accept that she might not make it through this. But the others, he knew he had to hand out the others. It wasn't goodbye. Willow was still alive. She would live, but something compelled Leon to hand these out despite his insistence that she would not die. Maybe, he thought, just maybe if these people realized how important they were to her, they'd rally around her and a miracle would happen. One had to.
His parents were startled when he came downstairs, eyes wide and worried as he handed them their letter before departing. Willow wrote these down for a reason, like hell he was going to keep her from saying goodbye.
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Human
Written by Megan.
78 posts.
18 years old.
crushin'.
I am Male.
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Post by Leon Pratt on Jul 15, 2022 19:35:56 GMT
Mum and Dad,
I don’t know where to begin. I’m so thankful and I’m so sorry. I didn’t understand why we had to leave home two years ago, but I think I get it now. I wish I hadn’t been so nasty when we first got here, but I hope to make it up to you every day for the rest of my life. I can’t thank you enough for bringing me here. I’ve met so many incredible people and realized so much about myself that I fear I wouldn’t have before now. Beacon Hills has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities and I’m ashamed I was ever closed off to these people and this world. Thank you for being patient. Thank you for being kind. You didn’t have to be. Most parents wouldn’t have handled my attitude with such grace, but you guys—you’re amazing. You and Leon, I couldn’t have asked for a better family. I love you both. I don’t want you to ever read this letter. I want to have the strength to say this to you, but you know, being a teenage girl and all, I have a reputation to uphold. Maybe someday soon I’ll tell you and scrap this letter. I don’t want to die. I don’t want you to read this because I want to live and grow old and have children and be famous and, I don’t know. I want to live. I’m sorry. This letter is silly and it’s the first I’ve written so you guys are getting the rough draft and the nerves. Just know that I love you both. I’ll start saying it more often.
If I do die, be there for Leon. I know how he’d be because I know how I would be without him. It’s going to be rough, and he’s going to need you. Please take care of him.
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Human
Written by Megan.
78 posts.
18 years old.
crushin'.
I am Male.
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Post by Leon Pratt on Jul 15, 2022 19:36:13 GMT
Eva,
I don’t think this will ever find you, but it felt wrong to not write one for you too. It’s stupid, really. I’m writing letters in case I die, which I know I won’t but call me sentimental. I know you won’t read it, but I have to thank you. You were the first friendly face for me in this town. You made it feel a little safer, a little softer. You made me softer. I hadn’t thought about it before, but you, God, I miss you sometimes. It was so fleeting and the way you left made it feel wrong, but I know it wasn’t. You awoke something in me that I didn’t know was there. Or maybe I did, but I didn’t want to act on it until I met you. You helped me come out. Not to the world, but to myself. I still feel guilty not telling anyone else, Leon definitely should have known, but after you left, I couldn’t. I wanted to cherish what we had and talking about it felt cheap. I think I’m bi. I still find boys quite cute and charming, but after you—after kissing you—I see girls in the same light. So pretty and soft and I want to hold their hands and kiss their cheeks and I’ve finally stopped wishing it was you. I like a girl, but I’m scared. She’s my friend and part of me doesn’t want to risk the friendship, but the larger, more scary part is afraid I’ll forget you. I only knew you for a few months, but they were special and God, I feel crazy. This is so silly. Just, if I do die and Leon somehow finds a way to get this to you, you changed me for the better. You helped me find myself. I don’t know if I loved you, I’m not crazy enough to say that, but our time together unlocked so many doors for me and just, thank you. I hope you’re well wherever you are, Eva.
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Human
Written by Megan.
78 posts.
18 years old.
crushin'.
I am Male.
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Post by Leon Pratt on Jul 15, 2022 19:36:29 GMT
Lottie,
Please don’t hate me for even considering writing this, I know you’ll think it’s ridiculous, but come on. You watched that movie with me so you know why I have to! Just in case. I talk so much, but I still feel like I haven’t said everything I need to. Especially to you. Lottie, just, I can’t express my thanks enough. You gave me a home when I was sad and hurt and angry. You found me lost, quite literally, in this new world and guided me back—again, quite literally. You are the foundation for who I’ve become in Beacon Hills. And you didn’t have to be. I was just some girl a grade below you, but you gave me friends and purpose and hope. I’m not that lost girl anymore. I’m Willow! Part of the Lonely Hearts Club! The Bubbles to our Powerpuff Girls and the Stella to our Winx Club! You helped me find me again and there will never be enough words to express my gratitude. If there is no magic cure for me like in the film, know that I love you and it’s been an honor to be your friend. I know times have been tough for you, but you’re the most incredible person I’ve ever been around. You’re strong and you’re a secret softy and you’re going to be okay. I hope I’m there to see you shine. Beacon Hills is too small for a girl like you and I want to be at your side when you get out there and find yourself. But I’m not going to die from any mystery disease so I will be there to see it. You can’t get rid of me that easily.
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Human
Written by Megan.
78 posts.
18 years old.
crushin'.
I am Male.
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Post by Leon Pratt on Jul 15, 2022 19:36:50 GMT
Sophie,
I really miss you. I still don’t quite understand why you had to go, but I hope that you’re doing well in Las Vegas with your friends. You didn’t have to leave. We would have helped in every way we could! But I know there must have been something important going on that we didn’t know about and that’s okay. Just know that we love and miss you and are waiting for you to come back! But that’s not the point of this letter. Lottie and I watched a movie where this girl thought she was dying and wrote letters to her loved ones and she ended up being cured, but I liked the idea! I don’t plan on dying, but just in case, you know? There was a deputy who died not long after you left and then recently a girl I knew was also killed by wolves. I didn’t know California even had wolves! It’s so terrifying to think about and I guess maybe that’s why I’m writing these. Not some weird disease, but a freak accident, you know? I’m rambling. Of course I am. So this is your letter. If you’re reading this, I’m gone and I need you to know that you were such a big part of me being okay again. Finding you helped me find myself. I was so bitter and angsty and you gave me a shoulder to lean on. Lottie and Jamie are already so close, you know? You felt like mine. Which sounds weird now that I say it, but what I mean is that you were my friend first before theirs and when they would get all close, I had you. Now I don’t, and it’s a little hard and I don’t mean to guilt you. They’re better about including me! They’ve been trying really hard. I think they realize how much we depended on the four man group and now with an odd number, we’re figuring out how to not pick favorites. But I, uh. I do have a favorite. I can’t be embarrassed if I’m dead and that’s the only way you’re getting your hands on this letter so I can’t be ashamed to tell you. I like Jamie. I found out I was bi around the time I met you. I had a girlfriend(?) for a little but she left town and I don’t know. I don’t know where I’m going with this. But Jamie, she’s just. She’s perfect. All grumpy and cute and just, I like her more and more every day and I know I’ll never ever tell her. I can’t. I think she’s straight and I don’t want to weird her out or mess up the friendship. Plus, she may not like me back and that would hurt like a bitch. Rambling again. I love you, girl. And I miss you like crazy. Hopefully I can see you again before I bite it lol. I cannot believe I just wrote lol in PEN. I’m done writing now. Be safe.
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Human
Written by Megan.
78 posts.
18 years old.
crushin'.
I am Male.
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Post by Leon Pratt on Jul 15, 2022 19:37:02 GMT
Jamie,
I don’t know if I’m more scared to write your’s or Leon’s letter. I suppose Leon’s because that’ll make this all feel more real, but God, I’m terrified. Even knowing you won’t read this unless I”m dead, my hand is shaking. So I’m going to stall. I have quite a bit to say anyways—which is typical. You know me. I’m gone if you’re reading this. I don’t know how or why and I really don't want to be. I want a full life. I want to go to college and travel the world and get married. I want to go on that road trip we keep planning but we all know we won’t actually do. I want to see the Grand Canyon and New York! Could you imagine us in the Big City? I’ll be like Rachel from Glee and burst out singing as I spin. You’d be so embarrassed and Lottie! Oh my God, she’d pretend she didn’t know me. I want that. To be stuck in a car with you two for weeks or months, just existing and experiencing the world. I’d miss Leon and my family, but I want to do something just for me. If I die now, that would be so unfair. There’s so much I need to do and say and I want to do and say all of those things with and to you. I’m bi. Which in this day and age, who isn’t, but I’ve never told anyone. I had a girlfriend for like a month when I first got here, but I never actually said it aloud. Maybe by the time you’re reading this, if you ever do, I still won’t have said it. But I am. I’m not ashamed, but I am scared. I’m scared because I like you. Jamie King, the most prettiest girl I’ve ever seen, I’ve got a massive crush on you and that terrifies me because you’re my FRIEND. One of my best friends and I can’t say anything because I’d rather watch you go be happy with someone else than risk you not talking to me again. Not because I like girls, I know you wouldn’t hate me for that, but because I like you. I know that would make it hard to be around me and I can’t—I couldn’t handle not being around you. If you go, then I lose Lottie too and Sophie is already gone. I’m okay keeping it to myself. I’m trying to move past this. I see you with James a lot. He seems super grumpy and mean, but you two look like you’re having fun. I’m not jealous! I pinky promise. I’m happy you have another friend to lean on. I hope he’s better to you than he seems. You deserve the best, Jamie. You deserve to be so happy that the sun is jealous of how brightly you shine. I love you (in a friend way, I’ve held myself back from falling in love with you because I’m a baby and that would hurt TOO much). I’m going to miss you when you leave for college. I didn’t realize how awful it was being younger than all of you until I realized I’d have to lose you for a while. I hope I don’t die. I hope that I get to live a long life with you as my friend, that we can both be happy—that all of us can. You and Lottie and Sophie, you’re the best things that have ever happened to me. If I die, know that you made me the happiest I’ve ever been. Know that you have the power to change the world. You’re incredible, Jamie King.
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Human
Written by Megan.
78 posts.
18 years old.
crushin'.
I am Male.
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Post by Leon Pratt on Jul 15, 2022 19:37:23 GMT
Rose,
I’m going to preface this with the knowledge that I should not be telling you this, even in death. But if I am dead, Leon is going to be shattered and he’s going to need you in a way I don’t think you can be. He’s going to push you away. He’s going to fight you and be mean and it’s going to be incredibly hard. But I need you to be right there with him because no one else can. Rose, my brother has a massive, raging, all-consuming crush on you. He has for quite a long time. He’ll never say it for the same reason I won’t tell my crush. You're his best friend. He would never jeopardize that. I really shouldn’t be the one to tell you and I hope I’m not dead and that he has by now, but if he hasn’t and I really am gone, he never will. I’m not asking you to love him back or be with him out of pity for this loss. I’m asking you to just keep being there for him because out of everyone, he needs you the most. You’re the most special girl I’ve ever met, Rose. My plant buddy, my partner in crime. You’re the big sister I didn’t know I needed because Leon has always been a remarkable big brother. This past summer has been one of my favorites. Spending all of that time with you and Leon, I really think you like him back and you can’t prove me wrong because I’ll be dead so I’m going to the grave convinced you two are meant for one another. Not where I meant to go with this letter, truly, but I have to be an annoying little sister one last time. Just please, take care of him. We’re so close. He’s going to think he failed if something’s happened to me and you can’t let him! It’ll eat him up. It’ll kill him too. I’m going to be so careful, Rose. I promise. I don’t want this to fall on you. I want the both of you to be happy and stupid and take forever to realize you both feel the same way because I am DYING on this hill beleiving you are both meant for each other. And if you don’t like him back, whoopsies. I’m not telling him I told you, so use this information as you please—but only for nice, good, pure reasons! Not that I think you’d hurt or blackmail him. Please don’t treat him differently because I swear to God he’ll never let this crush come between you too. Don’t waste your time mourning me when I go. Be there for Leon. I’m begging you. He’ll do something stupid if you’re not there to keep him in line. Take him to the moon, okay? I love you, Rose. Keep being the gorgeous flower that you are.
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Human
Written by Megan.
78 posts.
18 years old.
crushin'.
I am Male.
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Post by Leon Pratt on Jul 15, 2022 19:37:33 GMT
Leon,
Hey, do you remember back home, when I fell off my bike and skinned my knee? I was gushing blood everywhere and crying and you scooped me up and started running back home. It was before your health got bad. You had your eyes squeezed shut and made me tell you where to turn through my sobs because you got queasy over the sight of blood. You got me home safe, even if when you opened your eyes and saw how much blood got all over you, you feinted. You were maybe ten then. Always taking care of me, you still do. I know I’m safe with you around. You always save me, Leon. I don’t want to write this. I kept putting it off and pretending I didn’t have to but how shitty would it be if I died and everyone else had a letter but you? That would be awful and so unfair and I just, I don’t want to die, Lee. I’m not ready for it. I’m still just a kid and there’s so much I want to do. So please know that if I’m gone, I fought hard. I wasn’t ready to go and I didn’t go down without a fight. There’s so much I want to say, but I can’t get the words on paper and I’m sorry for that. You deserve the longest letter, big brother. I know things were tough for a little while as we found ourselves here, but I'm so glad we came back around to each other again because I can’t do this without you. You’re my rock, my knight and shining armor. You’re my hero and I know that you’ll always be there when I need you. You haven’t failed me yet! But if you’re reading this and I am gone, maybe I shouldn’t say that. I don’t want you to think you’ve let me down. Even if I’m dead, you haven’t failed. I don’t know what happened, but it’s not your fault. Please don’t blame yourself. Please don’t close everyone out. Let mom and dad help. Let Rose and Cooper in. You don’t have to do this alone. I don’t want that. Don’t do that! I know you can’t promise me in person, but promise my memory or soul or something. I don’t want you to die too. You’ve done all you could to keep me safe. Whatever happened, it was my choice and I swear to you, I tried everything I could to get home to you. I’m sorry if I kept you up. I imagine you would have waited all night for me to get home. I can’t imagine what it was like when I didn’t. I’m sorry, Leon. I’m smudging the ink with my tears, God.
If I’m gone, live for me. Do everything I wanted to do. Be something big and strong and brave. Animate movies and put me in them. If you wallow, my memory dies with you and then I’m really gone. Please, Lee. Live.
I love you, big brother. To the moon and back. See me in every willow tree, in every setting of the sun. In the eyes of the ones you love and in the pages of a book. Don’t forget me. I know you won’t. Don’t forget yourself either. Thrive and do more than just survive. No matter what, you’re my knight. I’ll make sure to tell you that more. And don’t go through my stuff! There is definitely stuff you don’t want to see. I wish I could draw like you. I’d add some awful attempt at an emoji if it didn’t take away from how gushy and sad this all was.
I know it's going to be hard, but please make sure everyone gets their letter. And Leon? Just keep swimming. I know you can.
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