To Mary, From Sarah

     I got a letter from Mark in the mail last week. It was very odd, as I haven't heard from him in a while. I'm not completely upset that I got a letter from him, we have been friends since we were kids. But it just feels odd. It feels odd in the sense that...that it's like he's from another life. There's a feeling I get when I think about him, a feeling that I can only sense in a past tense. The thought of him brings back an aroma of youth that I have moved past now. I have a husband and a baby on the way. That is my life now. And in years down the line, my life will be different then too. But the problem is, I kind of want to see what's going on in Mark's life. But at the same time, it might be safer to just leave him alone.

    If I know anything about Mark is that he is persistent. In high school, there was this girl that he met at Prom. She was literally with a guy, but he went and talked to her most of the night anyway. Then, as school went on, he continued to talk to her, just friendly talk, but her boyfriend did not like that. He continued anyway, even when the boyfriend threatened him. Eventually, Mark ruined the relationship between these two and Mark dated her. It was completely wrong, just so wrong. After high school, he grew up some, but he's always had a nature to be persistent in getting what he wants, even if it may negatively impact the other person...or any relevant party. 

    He was one of my best friends for so long, and I'd like to say that I know him better than I know anyone, even my husband. But, it's been at least a year since we last talked and he may not be the same anymore. What do you think I should do? Should I respond to him if he sends me another letter? Or just leave him alone?

    Love,

    Sarah