Short Story by Hannah Johnson
Dear Old Friend,
Well, I guess we’re not friends anymore. It had been all your fault, but now I’m just tired.
Back then, you had hurt me so much. I was willing to overlook that I might have caused you pain, too. I was blinded by rage. I helped us drift apart until there was nothing left.
I wanted you dead. I didn’t care who got in the way.
I realize now what a fool I have been. You weren’t the only one my actions crippled.
Now, the other day, you looked in my direction without noticing me and smiled. That one simple gesture unraveled me.
I’m hopeless.
I should still hate you–hold a grudge to the end of time–but I don’t even care if you apologize anymore.
I’m exhausted.
I can’t keep living like this–with the shame, regret, and guilt.
I’m sorry.
I know I can’t force anything on you anymore. I’d take it all back if I could. I regret it when I stepped out and left you all alone.
You’ll probably never see this letter because I’m too much of a coward to send it, but if by chance you do get your hands on it ….
Please, come back.
We were so close. I miss that.
I miss you.
Can you ever forgive me?
Love,
Your unforgivable friend.
Hannah’s work has been published in Written Tales Magazine Vol. 3, 2021, and a 100-word story in Free Spirit’s Just Another Minute edition, 2022.
