letter A

the following typed out very rapidly:

Dear ______

I don't really know how to start this, as I've never attempted to initiate a correspondence with a complete stranger before. Of course you don't feel like a stranger to me... I have been reading about you on the internet and piecing your story together. I'm not sure how much you've been kept informed about what's going on -- I imagine you have many friends who write to you and visit you, if you are allowed visitors. I felt compelled to write to you because something about your story resonated in me. This is probably a ridiculous thing to say... And I'm perfectly aware that any portrayal of you, every story told about you, is not truly a complete representation of who you are, and what you must feel. I would be interested in hearing your take on everything that's happened. Although that's probably impossible, right? Do they read and censor your letters? Maybe this won't even get to you.

Please let me assure you that I'm not a journalist or a writer, I'm not trying to get you to tell me your story to sell, or anything like that. I'm also not some creepy guy who's fantasizing about you. I just hoped that perhaps we could be old-fashioned penpals. You can write to me about anything you like. I promise I will keep anything you tell me strictly confidential.

Select all, delete. Days go by.