There are several things that most people accepted as fact that simply did not make sense to Shane. For instance, things like "think before you act" seemed to go way over his head. On the whole, he was very much okay with this fact, and assumed it was simply the rest of the world that didn't really add up. But it was only after he wrote the second letter, which he had every intention of sending, did he understand something. He finally realised why people sometimes kept things from the people they love. To protect them. To save them. Or in some cases, to save themselves.
Dear Micah,
I wonder if you still remember. You were wearing a white t shirt and blue jeans, fairly standard. You told me later it was because you didn't want to draw attention to yourself. You were sitting on the steps reading and I can honestly say I have never seen anyone react to a book quite the way you did. It was as if I was reading along with you, with the way your nose would wrinkle in amusement and your jaw would drop in suspense. And all I could think was how on earth you had managed to stay invisible for so long. Because for me… for me you were suddenly the only thing that really stood out. That was the first time I saw you Micah, and I didn't realise I'd been staring until you looked up and gave me this tiny, hesitant smile and I could have died right then. The first time I met you, I fell in love with you.
And I need you to know that… I've never stopped. I wish I could say it's just because I didn't let myself get over you but that's just not true. I just…I never met anyone who could ever compare. Truth is I did try. I tried and I tried to forget, to move on. Not for me, but for you. Because I've already accepted that I fucked everything up with you, I don't like it but I can handle it and I thought by moving on I'd be doing us both a favour. Except… I couldn't. What I had with you was real and… I guess… I was starting to think I'd never feel that way again.
Until I met him. His name is Reed and god, you would love him. You were always in awe of artists, the way they could do with their paints what you could do with your pens. Well, Reed… He's talented and beautiful and I think this could really be it.
I don't know what the point of this is. I guess I just need you to know. I thought the only way to move on was to get over you… But I think I realise now that even though I love Reed, even though I'm happy now…
I will never stop loving you.
Yours,
Shane