Long of hair, sly of wit…

Ah, I've always been crap at writing anything resembling poetry. You'll have to forgive me. I wasn't born with any sort of silver tongue; not like you were. I wish I had been. I'd be able to convey my feelings much easier. I mean—I can't ever say them out loud, you know? You'll never return them, after all, and there's really no point in embarrassing either of us. Even though it's really cute when you blush, I don't think it's worth the heartache that'd follow. It would hurt you, too.

You've come such a long way! Though we all have fun at your expense every now and again, don't let it bother you. I mean, when I first started out, I didn't know how to light a fire, either, never mind gather the wood for it. Everyone has to begin somewhere. The point is, you were there with me. You were at my side, and you haven't left it, no matter what hardships we've come to face, never once faltering. That takes courage.

The fireworks here are so pretty. All these bottles have been washing up, and I guess it's inspired me to write something of my own. P'obyano keeps making me sit on the dock at Costa, reading through these messages, and do you know how many times I've cried already? Anyway… With the fireworks above, and the tide coming in, the breeze playing on my face… it's made me nostalgic… Now, if only this piece of parchment would stay still and not threaten to blow away at the earliest opportunity!

I've been thinking about what makes our journeys so great. It's the smiling faces of the people we save. So many of them have had such great things to say. And so many of them would sacrifice so much for me. There's been really trying times where it was so hard to go on… where I didn't think I was going to make it… but… whenever I get back—whenever I see their eyes light up—whenever I see the hope there—that's what gives ME courage. I wish I could tell them that, but I'm usually so tired, it takes everything I have just to smile back.

Well… anyway… Soon enough, this message will be like the rest of them, corked up in a bottle, tossed into the ocean, and sunk beneath the waves until it washes up on a shore somewhere. I hope it's far away. At least… far away from you. I don't want you to see it. Not yet. Should anyone else come across this… Please, say what I can't. Speak for my heart. Tell everyone… tell them—thank you so much!

Eternally Yours,
Light and Sometimes Darkness

(Bluebird Earrings)