A/N: Written while listening to "20 Years" by The Civil Wars, I recommend listening to it while reading.
There's a note underneath your front door...
My Dearest Alice,
I'm sad you decided to go and marry Alfred, but I'm happy you're with the love of your life.
That I wrote twenty years ago...
I hope this man makes you as happy as I wish I could have made you. As much as I wanted you in my arms, smiling and loving, even more I wanted you to be happy by your own making.
Yellow paper and a faded picture...
It's been a very, very long time since we last spoke. I wish I had kept that connection. Do you remember this photograph? It was the day we graduated from University together. You wanted as much education as you could get in those four years, often hurting yourself from stress, and you told me you only wanted to work in a bookstore or a library.
And a secret in an envelope...
Those were the years I grew to develop feelings for you. You never returned them, always content with your books and the American boy studying at our school to learn how to act from the best. He always said he wanted to do a Shakespearean play...
There's no reasons, no excuses...
How did the bookstore dream go? And Alfred's acting career? I don't have the chance to see him on television around here.
There's no secondhand alibis...
Do you remember me telling you I wanted to help people through hard times? I followed that and now I'm a counselor for teenagers who need it.
Just some black ink on some blue lines...
Many come through with problems in their families, and many have very bad depression. I see many come and go, and some have told me I've helped them; it makes me glad, knowing I've helped someone like I helped you all those years ago.
And a shadow you won't recognize...
One came back and told me that she's now engaged to a lovely woman, one who will make her happy, like Alfred makes you happy.
In the meantime, I'll be waiting...
I would love to see you again, maybe you could visit. Or I could see America, even. But maybe you owuldn't even know who I was if you saw me. I'd be just another passerby on their way to work or home to you.
For twenty years, and twenty more...
You know, I never found anyone like you again. No-one matched your bright smile, your shining eyes, your wit...
I'll be praying for redemption...
No man or woman ever caught my eye quite like you did. No-one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I've loved none but you ever since you left.
And your note...
Give Alfred my best. J'taime, Alice. I love you still...
Underneath my door...
I think I always will.
And your note...
Best Regards,
Underneath my door...
Francis Bonnefoy