Title: Letters to Me
Summary: The Older Generation writes letters to themselves at seventeen. Inspired by Letter to Me by Brad Paisley.
Rating: K+
A/N: Jake's is depressing, I warn you. But he's not such a happy guy in the latest books, so I guess it's in character.
Disclaimer: Don't own the Sisters Grimm, thanks for suggesting it, though.
Dear Jake,
You used to wonder what the future would be like. You're the descendant of an Everwriter and you live in a town full of Everafters. You wouldn't change a thing. How do I know this? I'm you.
No, seriously, I am. I know all about your life, and I'll prove it. When you were sixteen, you snuck out with your best friend and got drunk. And you absolutely hated it, but you pretended to be okay with it because you looked up to Sam so much. But then Henry and Dad caught you and you got your behind kicked pretty sorely. That, and you were grounded for absolute ages.
Proof enough? Jake, your life isn't going to be the easiest, but there'll be some good times. You've got a family that loves you and wants you around. You'll fall in love with a beautiful, perfect woman. You'll travel the world and have amazing adventures. You'll have a family—
Oh, who am I kidding? Jake, your life will be pretty sucky for a long time. You'll blame yourself for something pretty horrible for a long time, and the guilt won't ever go away. You'll lose almost everything important to you. You'll love a beautiful, perfect woman, and she'll love you back, but she'll die.
It'll be horrible for a long time. I'm forty now, twenty-three years off from where you are now—at seventeen.
But some advice for you—despite the downs of life, I'd recommend seeing the world, having adventures, tracking down the magic in life.
Always pack extra underwear, and never go anywhere without a clean, dry pair of socks. You'd be surprised what a nice, clean, dry pair of socks can do for your morale.
Never forget where you came from.
Always remember to brush your teeth, and flossing is an all-important part of brushing. So if you don't want cavities again I'd highly recommend brushing after every meal and not eating so much sugar…even though you will eventually grow out of that sweet tooth…sorta. Not really, but it's fun to give yourself hope.
Avoid alcohol as much as you can—Henry will kill you if you drink any more than one beer at a time. It doesn't matter how good it tastes, no amount of beer will get you out of a) a hangover and b) your brother's wrath. There are children around that you need to set an example for.
Remember your family. You'll have and need your parents, your brother, a kind sister-in-law, two nieces who are more like surrogate daughters than nieces, and a nephew after your own heart.
Always look for the good; the silver lining. You were a pessimistic kid—the world needs hope, and optimism. I would know—I've lived through the future.
Jake, you're going to be depressed. You're going to hate life. It'll take a lot to get you out of it, but trust me, the world is nothing but a beautiful place, and your family will save you.
There's more than one soulmate for everyone. You met one and lost her, it'll be time to go and find another. And if that doesn't work out, try again.
Ronnie's telling me to be more positive, but my sister-in-law is more worried about changing the future. Jake, you can't tell anyone about this letter—in fact, it would do you good to burn it, forget it.
Life will hurt to live, but give it your best shot. You'll change the world, Jake, and save as many lives as you can. You'll find someone to share it with, someday. I know I have.
Don't ever think it's hopeless, that it'll never get better, Jake.
It will get better. It's darkest before the dawn—and your dawn is a brilliant sunrise that will last the rest of your life.
Good luck, Jake. You're going to need it.
Jake Grimm.
.
R&R