Letters

Chapter 2
Blossoms

June 18

Dear Len,

Guess what? Guess what guess what guess what?

It's been one month since we started writing letters to each other! It feels so much longer, doesn't it? It's like we've known each other forever, doesn't it? Or am I just crazy? I don't think you think am. I know you too well, right?

Daddy came and visited me yesterday. It was the first time he did since... you remember. I was happy to see him, I guess, but... I can't look at him the same. Not anymore. When I think about him... hurting you... It makes my chest hurt, Len. I feel sick! I wish I could stop him...

I wish I could hear your voice, Len. I want to know if sounds like I imagine it to sound.

From,
Hana

June 19

Dear Hana,

Hm? I guess it has been, hasn't it? It does feel like it's been longer, but at the same time... time's been going by really fast. For the first time since I've been in this place, I find a reason to get up every morning. I guess I should thank you for that, Hana.

You really should try to forgive him. He's just following orders. He believes what he's doing is right. Should you really be mad at him for that? Even if you think he's wrong... he's still your father. The same daddy who's raised you. You shouldn't be so hard on him.

I want to hear your voice, too. I think it would sound beautiful. Like an angel. Everything about you is like an angel, Hana. At least in my eyes. Because, Hana, I have something to tell you. I didn't know how to put it before, but I think now is the time to tell you.

Hana... I don't know exactly how to put this, but... even though I've only known you for a month, even though I don't know your name... I love you, Hana. I love you and I want you to feel the same way about me.

Love,
Len

June 20

Dear Len,

Len... Len. I can't even... I don't know what to write. I've written eight letters so far, but I've thrown them all away. I'm determined for this to be the last one (I said that it the last two, so let's hope I'm right this time).

Why am I putting so much thought into these letters, you ask? Because every single thing I write... it sounds stupid, Len. I don't want to write you anything stupid. Because... this is going to sound stupid, too, but I can't think of anything else:

Len, no words can describe just how much I love you.

There, I said it. I love you, Len. I think I loved you from the first moment I saw you. When you threw that first paper airplane over the fence, I felt my heart race. Daddy always said that kids don't know what love is, but... I do, Len. I do and you do, too. I know that now.

I've been wanting to tell you for a long time, but I was always too afraid. If you didn't feel the same way, what would I do? Go back to life without you? I couldn't do that, Len. I need you.

Love,
Hana

June 21

Dear Hana,

You love me, too? Is this a joke, Hana? I can't believe it. Someone as beautiful as you, loving someone like me... say it again, Hana. Tell me it's not a joke.

Were you really afraid of me not loving you back? How could I not love you, Hana? You're kind and beautiful. I don't call you "Hana" just because I don't know your name. You're pretty like a flower. Prettier, actually.

Hana... I know you say you need me. That worries me. Life over here is bad, Hana. I don't want to scare you, but... People here are being sentanced to death over really simple things. Anyone could be next, Hana.

We shouldn't dwell on the sad, though. With your love, I think I could withstand anything.

Love,
Len

June 22

Dear Len,

I love you. I love you. This isn't a joke, I swear. I wouldn't joke about this.

I still say that I'm not that pretty. I was bony when you met me, and I just keep getting skinnier and skinnier all the time. Sometimes I think that if a strong gust of wind comes, it might actually blow me away. You look better than I ever could, even when you have cuts and bruises.

Len... you are scaring me. Don't talk about things like that! I couldn't imagine you not waiting for me at the fence, trying not to draw attention to yourself when you do it. If I lose you... I think I'd lose myself. Don't feel bad, though. Just think of what you would say... if I were to tell you what you were telling me. Think of that and just try to put yourself in my shoes.

You're right! We shouldn't dwell on the sad. The next letter you send should be happy! That way, we can pick up a happier train of thought, yes?

Love,
Hana

June 23

Dear Hana,

... You're right. I couldn't imagine life without you, either. So how about I try not to make the guards angry, and you try not to hurt yourself or anything, okay?

Okay, back onto something a bit more normal... oh! I picked this flower for you. It's blue and really pretty, so it reminded me of you. The pretty part, not the blue part. I'm going to fold it up inside this note, okay? I hope it flies alright.

I liked the way your hair looked today. Did you get it cut? It seems a bit shorter. It looks cute on you.

Love,
Len

June 24

Dear Len,

First off, let me apologize for my bad handwriting. I'm kind of sick, and my hands won't stop shaking. I hope you can read everything alright.

The flower is really pretty. Much prettier than me, although I know you say otherwise. It's in a vase by my bed. Daddy came and asked about it today. I'm trying to be nice to him, like you said. I said a friend sent it to me, and he seemed to believe me.

Yes, my hair was cut. Do you really think it looks cute? I think I look like a boy.

Love,
Hana

P.S.- I just woke up. It's really early in the morning. I had a bad dream about you, Len. I want you to promise me something. If I have to leave... I want you to promise me that you'll carry on. Promise me, Len. I know this seems silly, but... I'll sleep better at night if you tell me that you will.

June 25

Dear Hana,

You're sick? Well, I hope you get better soon!

Nothing is pretter than you, Hana. I wish you were able to see what I see. I'm glad you're trying to be nicer to your father. Forgive him, Hana. He could be one of the nicer guards, for all you know. Even if he isn't, he really does have your best intrest at heart.

You could never look like a boy, Hana. You're too pretty to be a boy.

What happened to talking about happy things? But... if it makes you feel better... I promise, Hana. I promise to carry on, even if you're gone. But I really hope you don't leave!

Love,
Len