Dear Mom and Dad & family.

At 24 years old, I still don’t know exactly what it is I want to do with my life. You are sending me to school for the very business that has ruined our family. I have to pretend to be happy, and sometimes I am, but mostly when I am away from you. I can never seem to make you happy, I feel like a total failure. Not once have you ever said how proud of me you were, only about my brother. Not that I’m jealous of him or anything; I am proud of him, too. I just feel lost, and out of place.

I want to graduate to finally finish something for once in my life. I also wish I had a friend to confide in, even though Chris is one of the best friends I could ask for. I feel sad that my vacation is ending and we are arguing. I can never seem to fix anything, or express myself well enough for you guys to understand. Suicide has crossed my mind a few times, and I sometimes feel that my life will end in a tragic car accident. Chris and I talk about the future constantly, but inside I feel I’ll never get to live it because I’m going to die young. I’m so confused, and I feel myself being pulled in a million different directions. I need a sign to guide me through.

Your daughter, age 24