Love Unseen
By Laura Schiller
Based on: Emily of New Moon series
Copyright: L. M. Montgomery
Dear Emily,
If what I am about to say distresses you in any way, you do not need to answer this letter. It is not my intent to pressure you or cause you any pain; all I want is to clear up all the things which have been left unsaid between us for so long.
Emily, I love you. It's such a relief to write it at last. I would have told you face to face, but there was no time – I've been offered the vice-principalship of the College of Art in Montreal and I must leave immediately. Also, I've been too afraid to tell you, for fear of you pushing me away again. That morning you shook off my hand, for instance, or the past few weeks after Mrs. Chidlaw's dance. But holding back is no use – I must say it – on paper if needs be, even though words have always ben your specialty, not mine.
We belong together, Emily. You might not realize it, but I do – ever since I first saw you a a child, walking outside for the first time after my long illness. You looked like a living moonbeam, pale and luminous, with your eyes like purple violets. Ever since then, you've been a light for me, guiding me on my rainbow quest.
Do you know the story of Vega of the Lyre, Emily? The myth speaks of her as a woman, the weaver of the gods, crafting magical fabrics on her heavenly loom. Her husband was Altair, the cowherd, and their love was passionate, pure, and deep. However, because in their devotion to each other they neglected their work, the king of the gods separated them, and they were divided by a great heavenly river, the Milky Way. Now they only have one day in the year to meet – the seventh day of the seventh month.
This is the story of our star, a story of love that survives every obstacle, even great distance and time. This is the way I have loved you, and always will – even when I am far away, walking through the noisy, gaslit streets of Montreal, I can feel you with me; your confidence in me gives me strength to carry on.
You are my inspiration. I have painted many women during my career, but when I look at them, all I see is you – your eyes, your smile, your beautiful soul. We are the same, you and I – rainbow seekers, dream chasers, climbers of a harsh but glorious Alpine Path. You are my reflection – my other half.
If you do not feel the same, I will understand, and never trouble you with this subject again. But if you do care for me even a little, please write. I will be waiting
All my love,
Teddy