To: A girl no longer with us  

There’s so many words in the English language, many of which I know

and many more that I don’t. 

And yet none of them will ever be enough to tell you how much I miss you. Your eyes saw a brighter world and you did everything in your power to let everyone else see that world. Without you, the world has dulled.  

I’ve failed you in many ways. I‘ve tainted your memory, 

said horrible words about you, construed your dreams, and tainted your pure heart. There’s not enough ways to say I’m sorry but I can start off with the simplest. I’m so sorry darling.  

I remember a time when I thought I caught a glimpse of you, 

long after you had gone. The sun seemed to shine brighter that day. It was when the world returned to its usual dull self that I realized how much I truly missed you.  

You were gone too soon, 

with so little knowledge of the world. I feel like there’s so much to tell you. 

But the most important thing for you to know is you were so loved and beautiful, anyone who ever thought or said differently was only looking to further dull you. I’m sorry I was the one to finally diminish your light. I will spend everyday of my life trying to ignite that spark.  

I try to keep the memory of you with me. Sometimes I watch Anastasia and try to feel the same sparkle of joy you did. I allow the music you loved to move me to a place where I can be with you, even if it’s just for one night. But there’s nothing that can truly replicate the way I felt when you were here.  

The world has changed, for better and for worse. You deserved to see this world. I’m sorry you never got to. If you ever see this, please come back to me.   

Sincerely, a slightly older (and sadder) you