Say

Sam,

There's something, well, many things I need to say to you. First, I want to thank you. You've been a good friend to me for many years and I appreciate that. But somewhere along this crazy road we call life you became more than that. I guess that happens when you laugh together, cry together, bleed together, and yes, even die together. It's a simple thing I want to say, but I'm not allowed to. I can't allow myself to drop my guard and use words so here I am writing to you.

When you left for Atlantis, did you hear my voice choke when we said goodbye? I almost couldn't walk away from you without a backward glance, but that would have been my undoing. You know what I'm saying here, don't you? I love you, Sam. I want to be with you, but our lives, our commitments stand in our way. So all I can do is write you this letter to ease my pain. I'll let you go for now. Just know I love you and I miss you.

Always faithfully yours,

Jack

He folded the letter carefully and added it to the others in the stack and replaced the shoebox on his closet shelf.

End