Dear Alan
How long has it been now? I met you almost 5 years ago - in that awful group with that terrible sight... I was so shy. I was so afraid to talk to you, I could barely manage a message. But now, we're almost inseparable these days. I have you to thank for that. You've been there for me through thick and thin... I don't know what I would have done without you, especially during those dark and earlier days.
Now look at us! You're almost out of college, and I'm already saving for a visit. Never, ever did I think I'd feel comfortable enough to go half-way across the world to meet someone I met on the internet. But I do! And I can't wait to meet you and your girlfriend. Maybe we can even go to Glascow together - it'd certainly be a change of pace! She can come too of course, she's wonderful. You're lucky to have met her! I just hope I have someone one day I love as much as you two do.
You were there when my emotions crashed. You were there through the surgeries, the scares, the good, and the bad. Now? I'm finally happy. I'm finally at the point where I can say "No, I'm not ok. But tomorrow is another day". I'm at the point where I don't wake up every morning full of retreats.
You're to blame for that. You stupid, brilliant Brit.
I know you won't see this, but here's for many years to come.
Things will get better in your home life. You'll see. They will, and it'll come fast. It'll come, and you'll barely realise the change until it's over. It'll all fade away. Like a breath of fresh air. The world won't be black and white anymore - you'll see the shades of red. Blue. Yellow. Velvet.
Everything will make sense.
I hope that, when it does, I'll still be here by your side. I hope, when it does, we're still as close as we are now.
Your friend
Opal