Captioned Images Series: The Letter

Created: 08/29/2022

The former Justin Bracker sat in his wingback recliner by his end table and wrote his mother a letter. Justin felt sad for running away from home, but he just had to. Regardless, wanted to let his mother know that he was safe and that this wasn't her fault.

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Dear Mom,

I LOVE YOU! It broke my heart to run away from home, but I just had to go. I tried to act the happy teenage boy you wanted me to be, but that wasn't how I was really feeling inside. Every day was a struggle between how the world saw me and how I really felt inside.

I know you did your best, as did I. You have to know that it wasn't your fault, I just couldn't continue with things the way they were.

I have found a place where I fit in and have some truly loving friends. I couldn't be happier. Everyone here treats me so nicely. I have also found a very special someone to spend my life with.

Please, don't come and look for me, you won't find me. I used the Medallion of Zulo and I look quite different from the troubled boy I used to be.

Always remember, that I will always love you.

Your loving son,

Justin

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"Margaret, time for your pills," the pretty young aide told Justin. He was known as Margaret here.

"One second, just let me finish this."

Margaret folded the letter and put it in an envelope. He addressed the letter to his mother and gave it to the aide. He didn't include the return address of where he was living (Pinewood House Senior Retirement Residence). He hoped his mother (who is now over 25 years younger than Margaret is) would understand.

The aide took the letter. Justin watched the aide leave the room he shared with Harold. (The very special person that Justin mentioned in the letter.) Justin swallowed his lunch time pills with some water.

"Margaret, everything OK?" Harold asked.

"Yes, Dear. All is the way it's supposed to be."

Photo by cottonbro