Chapter 20
Tyler
Dear cutest grad I know, Indy,
Congratulations! I’m so proud of you! I wish I could have been there to see you walk across that stage. You deserve all the accolades. Tell me all about the day.
Sorry this letter is getting to you much later after your graduation, but I was out on a training mission during your graduation and unable to write. You’ll see there’s something for you included with this letter as a gift.
I just returned from traveling and saw this bracelet that reminded me of you.
The green beads are so similar to your eye color, I had to pick it up for you.
The woman at the booth told me the colors symbolize growth, renewal, and prosperity.
You’re starting your new journey as a professional in the world, so it seemed fitting.
Last you wrote me, you were on the fence about having your parents attend graduation.
Did you invite them after all? I know it’s been hard trying to navigate things and you can always lean on me if you ever need to.
Don’t blame Bryce for trying to keep pushing you to make amends with them.
I think he’s simply wanting to build the family he had between all of you again. I can see that.
As someone that never had the dynamic all of you had, I can see where he’s coming from. It must be hard. I’m not saying you’re not justified to feel the way you do, but I get where your brother is coming from as well.
How’s your health? I know last year was still rough, but our last few letters, you seemed to be on the mend.
The last medication seemed to work really well.
Is that still the case? Keep me updated.
When you were hospitalized that summer, it took everything in me not to fly home and see you.
It broke my heart what your parents did to you.
You are the strongest person I know. Never forget that.
Have you decided to take the offer from your grandfather and work at his company full-time? I think it’s a great opportunity to do something independent and from everything you’ve told me throughout the years, you seem to really enjoy the publishing world.
You’ve come a long way since that night after high school, and now, look where you are! I cannot believe you’re a college grad and embarking on a whole new career. This is amazing, Indy!
Have you been able to look into getting answers to your biological parents again? I know last time you checked, you couldn’t do that because of the cost and the records being sealed. Is this something you can do now that you’ll have the means?
We recently got a new crew from the States arrive here. They look so damn young, all from boot camp. I forgot how fresh-faced we looked at eighteen, even though it wasn’t that long ago for us.
I’ve taken one of the newest guys that arrived recently under my wing. His name is George, but the guys and I call him Georgie. He’s so funny, I’d love for you to meet him one day. If I had I little brother I would want him to be just like this guy.
His parents are coming over here for a visit and they’ve invited me to join so I can meet them.
I think I’m going to take them up on the offer and take that time off when they’re visiting.
It’s been a little sad not having parents in my life since mine were shit but it would be nice to have parental figures sometimes.
I miss you, Indy. Not getting to be at your graduation a few months ago really made me realize I want to be stateside.
I’m going to see when I could possibly get over there.
I can’t guarantee it will be soon, but maybe I can find a time to make that happen.
I’ve used a lot of my free time to travel throughout Europe, but maybe the next time there is a break on my end, I will hop on a flight over and see you, if that’s something you’d be comfortable with me doing.
Let me know if you’d be okay with me coming to visit you still. It’s been too long since we’ve seen one another. I hope you’re doing well.
Needing to see you,
Ty