Dear Rosie, (Love Letters #2)

And I know it’s hers.

Nathan Waller

323 Kendel Way

Cleveland, OH 44111

But it’s not the writing that makes my hand shake. It’s the bright red ink.

It’s theUNDELIVERABLEthat makes it impossible to breathe.

I stare at the envelope in my hand.

She wrote to me.

She got my letter. And she wrote to me.

But the address is wrong.

Dread.

Dread like I’ve never known locks my feet to the floor.

Rosie is meticulous. Even back then. Even twenty-five years ago, Rosie wouldn’t have made a mistake.

It had to have been me.

I must’ve written it down wrong.

I left her. Moved away. And when Rosie wrote to me, it got sent back to her.

I swallow, feeling like I’m going to be sick.

I turn the envelope over and lift the torn seal.

There are two pieces of paper inside.

I pull them both out.

When the first paper is half unfolded, I recognize my handwriting. The letter I left for Rosie the night before I moved.

And even though I don’t want to look, I do.

Dear Rosie,

I’m sorry I waited so long to tell you…

I force my eyes down to the address.

The incorrect address. I messed up the numbers.

My heart breaks a little for myself.

I thought she didn’t get the letter. Or ignored it.

I was sad she never wrote me.

I trace my fingertip along the edge of the page.