notworthallthis

From:

The letter might not even really be much of a surprise to her. Not after the notes he’s left her, little poetry scraps scattered throughout the apartment whenever he finds one he thinks she might like— or in some cases, says things he couldn’t find the words for himself.

They share the bedroom now and have been for a little while. He’s still working on staying in bed all night, but at least the nights start with the two of them curled up together, close and warm and safe. He’d left the letter where there was a chance she would find it eventually because he talked himself out of it every time he thought to give it to her himself; this way, it was left a little more to fate.

He’d almost forgotten about it, when he finds a letter in his chest of drawers. It even smells like her. What a sweet touch. Curious, he abandons the idea of a shower for the moment, moving to sit on the edge of the bed to read it. He hadn't expected her to write back to him, but it's kind of cute that she did.

Wanda,

When I wrote that letter, I didn't expect you to write back. If anything, I thought maybe you'd just come talk to me. But I kind of like this. Maybe it's not as personal as being face-to-face, but... it reminds me of being away at war, writing to my sisters and my Ma. Getting those letters sustained me like nothing else. I guess sometimes it's just easier to say things when you write it out.

I thought about bringing it to you a ton of times, but I never did because I didn't know how to even start the conversation. But I guess some part of me knew you'd find it eventually, and whenever you did, that would be the right time, you know? I'm just glad it didn't scare you away...

Maybe you've taken over a little in the house, but it's all things that have helped me. I've told you before, and I'll say it a hundred more times, a thousand more: You've made this more than just someplace I sleep; you've made it a real HOME now, and I'll be eternally grateful for that.

Whatever you have to face, about yourself or anything else, please just know that you never have to do it alone. I'll be with you, if you'll have me.

XOX
-JBB

This time, he leaves it out plainly in the open for her to find on the pillow on her side of the bed. Maybe this is a better way for both of them to be more open, to heal spilling ink instead of blood.