Unaltered Letter from an Ex-Lover, Written July 2020

Stephen,

   First of all ... happy birthday. I'm glad I get to know you while you turn 23 and help you celebrate it. I know you're not very big on birthdays but today I just hope you feel loved, appreciated, & like you're here on this Earth seeing another year for a reason. And I hope I'll help to remind you of all of those things. Before I met you this summer it seemed like days dragged on and I was excited to get ready for bed because it meant less time awake and I could get the day over with. Since the DAY I met you, I have not had a single boring day. I'm actually excited to wake up early and give everything in my day as much energy and effort as I can, and seeing you always brings something new & exciting to my day. As the days have quickly turned into weeks, I'm more & more thankful that the cute guy I saw running turned out to be one of the most genuine, spontaneous, adventurous, and kind-hearted people I have ever met. You inspire me all the time, whether it be with your drive & motivation to stay consistent with your running, your discipline with everything you do, or when you have that longing tone in your voice when you talk about wanting to go travel (and I just envision you & me hiking through some mountain & laying on a blanket at night watching the stars). I'm running out of room so... I just wanted to give you somewhere to continue your writing & I wanted to start it off for you. So I hope you like this & everything else ❤️

 - [Redacted]