Burdens

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Nov. 23

Dear Alex,

We went downtown today and drank coffees by the ocean. Everything was so lovely and foggy- it felt like you could grasp the air in your hand.

Your eyebrows were drawn together, so I pressed my finger between your eyes and rubbed until you relaxed and smiled at me.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"You always ask me that."

"Because I'm worried about you!"

"Don't be."

I sighed and looked back at the raging ocean. "Alex," I said.

"Yes?"

"What are you hiding from me?"

"Your Christmas gift."

"Don't be an idiot," I said, sitting up and looking at you. "You know what I mean."

You sighed. "There's nothing. Honestly."

You glanced at me and lowered your head. "Do you believe me?"

No. Not in the slightest.

"Yes," I tell you, because I know you need to hear me say it. You need to play the strong-one for a little longer and you need me to be blissfully ignorant. I'll do it. I'll do it for you... for now. But someday soon, Alex, you need to let me help you carry this burden you're shouldering. That's part of being in a relationship. We rely on each other to hold us up.

And I know you're strong, but you're not strong enough to hold both of us. So let me help you.

Love,

Carrie

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