January 2029
Dear Asher:
You know, there’s something really interesting about having a relationship with someone nobody knows about.
And by relationship, I mean friendship or whatever this is.
Friends with benefits? The long-distance and sex once a year kind?
Anyway, there’s something really interesting about this—nobody really believes me when I tell them I have a friend they don’t know who lives in a different state, all the way up there.
The interesting thing about it, beyond people not believing me, is that they all have opinions on why I talk about you so much or why I’d rather avoid discussing certain questions altogether.
It’s definitely interesting when they realize my sister’s wedding is in two months and I have a plus one but no one to bring—then, they bring you up.
I’m out of excuses, and really, I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t ask, so this is me asking.
Do you think you could take leave for a few days to go to this wedding with me?
You totally don’t have to, but I thought I’d ask.
Now that that’s out of the way . . . I wanted to take a second to say thank you. I think this weekend with you was the best time I’ve had in a while. Thank you for helping with the birds and for going on so many little adventures with me. I feel refreshed, and it's been a long time since I did.
Apparently, my father wrote a letter to their neighbor about the birds and threatened to send the police next time. She moved, Asher, she moved! Hopefully, this is the end for her and the poor birds she’s been neglecting.
I also wanted to say thank you for . . .
I don’t know, being here for me, I guess.
I love that we’ve been able to grow this friendship with few expectations, knowing that at any point, we don’t have to continue these yearly hang out thingies.
As you know, the past few years have been tough, and knowing I can let go and be myself with you has been refreshing.
Now, tell me about you. Any interesting rescues lately? Let me know!
Xo,
Hales