Dear Mercy,

I know we've only really had one real meeting, yesterday — and somehow it already feels like something's now off a little bit.

I know I'm heading back to campus next month, and honestly, that scares me a little. Not because I doubt us, but because I already know how much I'll want more time with you before I go. More time to hold you properly. More evenings sitting close, no rush to be anywhere else. Time to cuddle, to touch, to be close to you in every way two people who care about each other can be.

So before I go, I want us to build as much of "us" as we can. Not rushed, not forced — just present, choosing each other on purpose, every day we have left.

I also want you to wipe it off your mind; what you said yesterday, that there's a tendency I can trust other people more than I can trust you. Pleeease!

You are worthy being patient for, and worthy being brave for.

Yours, always,
Lovely Rick