The Letter by Lightbringer

Chestnut eyes that see right to your soul
A shepherd’s grin,
A young man never had a better companion
Where should I begin?

I’ll start with a letter.

Dear Chance,

I trust you are doing well, and hope your new home is everything we dreamed of. I realize it’s been a long time since I’ve spilled my guts to you, but I remember now how good we both felt after you finally helped me dry my tears. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you finally had to move on, but Dad told me that you were watching the road, just in case I would pull into the driveway just in time to make things all better. He also told me that you were strong about it, and you left on a good note. I’m glad to hear that. It’s actually been almost a year since you left, it’s just taken this long for it to really sink in. I still haven’t been back home. I guess I know I’ll be expecting to see you, sitting there in your chair on the porch.

Do you remember when we used to go down to the river? I would tell Mom that we were going fishing, when in all actuality I just wanted to jump into the water. We would get there and before I could even get off my bike you were already in the water, jumping and splashing like you’d lost your mind. I remember that you would never let me out into the deepest or fastest parts of the river. If I started going out there you’d grab my hand and gently pull me back. Do you remember the time I jumped off “The Peñasco” into the river? There was no chance of me drowning but you still jumped in after me, pulling me to shore before I even had the chance to even try to swim.

Thank you , by the way, for knocking Adrian down when he threatened me at the bus stop. I still had to fight him that afternoon, but at least you stuck up for me. I remember the next day, a man in a van with lights on it came to the house. The man in the gray uniform said he had to take you away, until the neighbor girl ran up and told him it wasn’t your fault. She told him that you were defending me. He scared me when he shook his head and put his hand on your back. He told me that I had the best friend a kid could have, and that I had better take care of you the way that you looked after me. Did I? I don’t feel like I did. I feel bad for leaving you, but I had to leave and I couldn’t bring you with me.

The last time I was home, I noticed you were already getting antsy to leave us. When I hugged you, do you remember what I said? I told you that if you had to go that I wouldn’t cry, I lied. I miss you buddy, but I guess we’ll see each other again, God willing. In the meantime, I hope your belly is always full and your feet are always warm. Take care of Leslie, Blue, and Pancho (or Indio as we called him). I love you bro, take care.

Con Mucho Cariño,
-AleXander