Page 45 of Villainous Fate

I miss the taste of your kisses, always lightly flavored with your double bubble gum.

I miss the way the sun dances off your scarlet hair, always making me want to ruin your braids.

I miss the weight of your palm in my hand, squeezing twice to reassure me that you’re right there.

I miss the way your chin juts out slightly when you feel challenged; the subtle lift makes you appear confident even when you don’t feel it.

And last for today, I miss the way you slam your elbow into my ribs when I pick fun at you.

Ten isn’t enough to even scratch the surface, but for tonight, I will end my first letter with the promise that there is no joy in my world without you in it.

Impatiently awaiting your response.

D

PS. Did you get your new book?

December 11, 1982

My Deacon,

It’s strange still being here without you. All the places that usually bring me such peace leave me feeling blue. I can’t tell you how many times I turned to tell you something only to remember you’re gone. My legs have a mind of their own. Most afternoons, after work, I find myself walking past your house.

The walk back home is worse. Knowing time will drag on. The only reprieve I get comes from diving into fiction in hopes that imaginary problems will push away the weight lying on my heart since you left. It never lasts long until something reminds me of you, and I’m sucked back into the real world again.

As for missing me, I thought those were supposed to be nice things? A bark?!?! How rude, sir! See if I ever laugh around you again.

I’m glad you made it through the first trial. I know that one was supposed to depend on teams, so you were worried. Twenty gone the first trial!?! That seems like a lot to bring out there just to send them home. Is this a retreat training, or is this some sick survival game?

Did you find any alliances this week? Anywhere I should start researching at the library? Tell me everything. Let me live through your words as I wait for your return.

Everything here is the same. Greg still stops in for every one of my shifts, hoping I will wait on him. Thankfully, Harry has been running interference and changing my station once he’s seated. I’ve got it handled, so you need to focus on getting through the next challenges in one piece. Is the fighting next?

I love you, D.

Tails

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