Written 16 June 2008.

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The Letter Said "I Love You"

 
There would be no need to send the letter more than once: The pigeon was well trained. He attached it to the bird’s leg and released it.

He was no longer afraid of death: He was convinced he had a spirit that would not die, and if he didn’t—if he just died—what would it matter? He wouldn’t know it. And wouldn’t it be better to just stop this pain?

He put his head through and jumped.

There was nothing and everything; time does not exist. He found himself at his grave, and before him stood a beautiful woman. She was crying, a letter trembling in her hand.

He took all the energy he could muster to appear before her.

She was startled, but managed to choke out, “Why?”

He knew why: He loved her, but thought himself repulsive, worthless. But the words, even after death, would not come. He could only stand there and watch her sadly.

Then she said the words: “I loved you…”

He felt as if he were dying again: If only he could hold her.