Dear Cameron,

If I could, I would apologize. I’m sorry to have ever imagined that I could ever have been in a relationship at a time of my life filled with chaos and confusion. I’m sorry I expected you to validate me and be my purpose for living. I should have never been so foolish to believe any human being could supply those kinds of feelings. I’m sorry I believed that a relationship when you were just the tender age of 16 and I was only 18 could ever be successful; our lives were moving in completely different directions. I’m sorry I if I ever made you feel like you were not good enough or as if you weren’t able to do anything right. I’m sorry for putting a strain on the relationship you had with your parents. That might be what I’m most sorry for.

I wish I could say these things but I cannot. I hear of how you are now. I hear that you are arrogant and unpleasant, I hear you take advantage of people and use girls, I hear that you believe you are superior to others and have a sense of entitlement. That is not the person I remember. Who you have become scares me and I pray with everything inside of me that I did not do that to you. I hope that you are able to take something from our relationship that has allowed you to learn and given you the chance to be better and not bitter. I hope you follow your dreams and appreciate all of the opportunities you have been given and all of the people in your life. I hope you continue on with your education and use your full potential to make a difference. Most of all, I hope one day when we have both matured and found peace, we might see each other again and be able to exchange stories of happiness and laughter.

I do not hate you, never have and never will. If I could, I would tell you to shine bright, soar high, and share all the love inside your heart.

Anna, age 20