The Burns We Carry (Lost and Found in Wallowpine #1)

by Marae Good

Shay, I hope if you’re reading this, it means you found the courage to write again and used every bit of space in this journal. But on the high likelihood you opened it up immediately to the last page as soon as I handed it to you, I love you. And now I’m praying you didn’t read this page first, because I really don’t want the first time I tell you I love you to not be with my lips. But wow, I love you. Maybe you’re reading this with me beside you in bed, maybe you’re laughing and calling me cheesy. (I really hope that’s what we’re doing.) But on the chance you’re not with me, and you’re somewhere across the world, I want you to know I still love you. I think I might’ve loved you the first moment I saw you, and that might’ve been why I was the grumpiest man on the planet, because holy hell—I was in love and that was terrifying. I’m proud of you. So proud. And no matter what, if our paths stay the same or break apart, I know I’ll always love you. And every time the sun rises and sets, I’ll think of you. I’ll be grateful that I was able to experience your warmth up close, and that I can still witness your light even from afar. I told you once I thought Dad brought you into our lives. Maybe you brushed it off, but I meant it. Maybe this is wishful thinking, and maybe it’s because he never left when he was alive, but I have a hard time believing that sort of love and devotion just disappears because he died. Regardless if it was fate or not, I’m grateful you’re in my life. And...