So basically I think I’m in love with my old best friend. Him (14 M) and I (13 F) were really close when we were young. We practically grew up together. I’ve known him since I was 2. A few years ago, his family moved from nyc to nj. We went from seeing each other almost every day to only like once a month. He’s always been good with kids, he makes me laugh, we have banter, and puts on this tough exterior but when no one’s around, he’s really sweet. I think about him almost every day. But I barely see him anymore. If I do, it’s for 2 days max. I really like him but I don’t know how to tell him. The way I see it, we’re both so young, we live in different states. It’s not like anything can happen. But still…I wonder what it would be like

My parents split up in August of 2018. I was so mad at him for everything he did to me and my family, including my mom. He chose hard drugs, and to cheat on my mom with her childhood bestfriend. I texted him once in a while, because I was 15 and I wanted to make sure my dad knew I didn’t hate him. Then I cut off contact with him after seeing him again in December and hugging him for the last time. I was never able to see him. In March 2021, (my room was right beside the front door) I took a nap at 6pm and woke up at 8pm, to the front door being opened and my mom talking at the door, my grandma was crying and my siblings were upstairs. I was so confused and my grandma comforted me while crying, I asked her if my dad was dead. She said “yes my girl.. he killed himself..” I was in shock at first and I let out the most blood curdling cry. I regret not talking to him. I believe that it’s my fault he’s dead, because I didn’t talk to him. I have the last message he sent to me, and I read it almost every day. I wish I could have done something to save him. Maybe I could have stopped him.

• August 5, 2023