Dear Stress,

I hate you. But you must have already known that since you've been my friend since the start of 8th grade. You've been by my side when I started

looking for high schools, you left me for a while and I've never been happier, but you've walked your way back into my life since the end of junior year

when I had to start looking for colleges. You used to gnaw at the back of my mind, but now you're always following me. You drain me of my energy,

passion, and motivation. You control my everyday life as if I didn't have enough to worry about. But at least you go away when I listen to music and

when I knit. But you're knocking at my door, you want to be let in, but I'm trying to hold the door shut, but you're getting stronger than me. I just

want you to leave me alone. But you love me so much, you won't let go of me.

Please let go, just for a little bit. Even for a moment is all I ask.

Yours truly, Alexis