Prologue ╱ Letters Between Lovers (Scorned).

        _______________________
        BELOW ARE A SERIES OF LETTERS
        SHARED AMONGST EVERETT CAMPBELL
        AND JULY TANNER, CIRCA 1995.

               Dear Jules,

               There aren't enough words in the English dictionary to describe how sorry I am for the way I left you. I'm a recreant . . . a selfish, dreadful excuse of a man for not wanting to face you. But if I didn't go when I did, I know I would've stayed. Even if I couldn't stand living at my pop's anymore.

               It pains me to know how broken your heart must be. How much I've ruined that beautiful soul you have. But I only hope in time that you forgive me. You are my light, Jules. I'll always remember your smile that outshines the sun and your contagious laugh that leaves me enamored. I'll never meet another girl who overloads her cherry cola with the diner's maraschino cherries. Maybe I'll try it your way one of these days.

               I don't expect you to write to me, I don't even expect you to read what I've written. However, I do hope that you know I am truly blessed to have known you in this lifetime. Thank you for loving me when I thought I didn't deserve to be loved. And I pray that all your dreams come true.

               I'll always love you, July Elizabeth Tanner.

               Your lovesick cowboy,
               Rhett.

P.S. — If you do happen to take the time to reply, I will leave the address down below.

PVT Campbell, Everett J
4th PLT ECHO CO 1-13 IN BN
5482 JACKSON BLVD
FORT JACKSON, SC 29207-6100

Dear Everett,

You have ruined me, Everett Campbell. The field of my vibrant wildflower heart now rests an icy terrain of stone and ashy moss. And I have you to blame for that.

Of all people I never thought it would be you to leave me so hollow. You have taken my heart and murdered it. You have made me into this. I feel so angry, but what I feel most of all? Numbness. I have never felt so much nothing before. Is this how I will always be because of you? How will I ever be expected to love again when all I will wonder is when they're going to leave me? How could you leave me here without a goodbye?

You were my home, Everett. My solace, my knight in a dusty cowboy hat. I'll forever be haunted by the feeling of the hands that once comforted me. By the glimmer in your eyes when you looked at me, like I was the only girl in the world.

I'm now a woman scorned, left to pick up the broken pieces of my shattered heart. As much as I want to hate you for what you've done, I just can't. I fear there will always be a splinter that burrows deep within the crevice of my soul. A tender splinter that will continue to love you until my last dying breath.

I will be burdened with always loving you, but I don't think I could ever forgive you. I am no longer yours, as you are no longer mine. I hope that you find what you're looking for in this next chapter of your life. I do wish you the best.

Sincerely,
July.

❲ . . . ❳

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