Sister

Dear Sanity,

I hope you’re feeling well. How are you? And how is Adam, and the kids? Make sure to hug them tightly for me… I can’t wait to come back in winter and hug them for myself. Please tell them that their aunt misses them, big time.

I am sorry I haven’t replied to your last letter. I know it’s been a whole year since we last talked, but, I have not been able to reach out, forgive me.

I need to tell you that all this time, I’ve been stuck in a really weird place. Here, we have literal lakes of shadows, in which you have to take a swim at least once a day. If you don’t get your swim on any given day, you’ll find your skin melting or falling off. Of course shadow swims have some side effects but, it’s what everyone here is doing to stay alive.

The sun also doesn’t come up daily like in other parts of the world, you know… We get to spend entire days, weeks, and sometimes even months, in utter darkness. Some fun, right?

However, now I can say that it’s much better. The sunny days are here, the trees are growing again, and they’re growing so fast that I can barely keep track of how tall they’re actually becoming in such a short time… You know, it’s weird how we cut trees to stunt their growth but, they only end up getting taller… I find it really interesting. I really love my trees, too. I’ll tell you about them and each one’s name when I see you.

Being here and working like that is not easy, I’m telling you. On some days it’d be nothing, on others it’s just a loose thread, but on some certain, really unlucky days, the entire fabric goes undone, and the work of months just goes to waste.

I miss you. I never thought I’d say that but, I feel very lonely here, actually. I can’t wait to come back, even if it’s only for a very short time… I miss you all so much. I miss being heard and understood, and I miss feeling like I fit and belong somewhere. I hope you guys are waiting for me as much as I’m waiting to be with you. Pray for me. I am so very tired of suffering alone. I really hope all of this is over soon.

I hope you weren’t worried by how long I was gone, though. Winter is only coming closer, and I’ll be home soon. Next time we talk, we’ll be discussing Christmas carols and baking cookies… I hope.

Until then, I will just keep missing you all. Looking forward to hearing from you!

With all the love in the world.
You sister,
Madness.