j –

You went to that park… and then you just didn’t come home.

At first I thought something simple had happened. Car trouble. Your phone died. Something that would make sense once you walked back through the door.

But then you didn’t.

We looked for weeks. Brandon, your brothers, the police. Brandon still thinks you got lost in the woods behind the house. He goes out after school and calls for you like you can hear him.

I didn’t know what to tell him.

And then I found your letter.

Your handwriting. I knew it right away. I don’t even know how to explain that, but I knew. The photo too. It was you.

I keep thinking of things I should ask you and then I don’t know where to start.

But you’re safe. You said that, and I believe you. I have to.

I check that box more than I want to admit now.

If this is what it is for a while, then okay. I’ll do it. I don’t know how, but I will.

Just don’t stop writing.

Save it for me.

-e