Dear Mariam
Hi. It's been more than a month since I wrote to you, and it might seem like I have been ghosting you, trust me I haven't. Toodles had been sick for a long time and we were really busy with him, taking him to multiple hospital visits. He's completely fine now. Apparently he had consumed something which he couldn't digest, just being the naughty pup he is. Oh and, how's Viola now? I hope she's much better than before. Does she know about our letters?
You know, Aaron and I have grown a bit close, I don't know what it is, but it feels nice. He was extensively helpful with Toodles' hospital visits. He has been just a call away all throughout these trying times. Whenever Mom and Dad had been out at work, he'd drive me to the hospital, and never denied once. Once it was at 1 AM and Mom and Dad had to stay back at their offices. Toodles started crying out in pain, I didn't even know what to do. I was hesitant, but I called him up, and he agreed to help me at once without a hesitation. He has been a nice person to me throughout. Mom absolutely adores him and Dad does too. He is a good friend to me too, and I like his company. I guess that's all for now.
Your pen pal
Autumn

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How do we end a story that had never really started?

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Dear Mariam
Hey. Long time no see! So, finally I am done with all my exams for the year. Well, I won't speak too highly of my performance in those. I guess you're done with your exams too? And where are the pictures of our Richard Parker? Toodles would have surely written letters to him had he been able to. Well, about the boy next door, he really is cute. He has dark blue eyes and jet black hair and stands 6'2" tall. I look tiny in front of him. His name's Aaron. So, the day he came over for dinner, we chatted a bit, he's from National High School. And...we exchanged numbers. But, there's nothing more between us (maybe...). I am looking forward to my SAT exams. I'll probably apply to colleges in France too, so, fingers crossed! How are your preparations going? And do apply for colleges in Australia. I'd love to meet you sometime. Okay, so keeping this short this time. Write back soon. Goodbye!

Your pen pal,
Autumn

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Dear Mariam
It's literally been too long since we have contacted each other. Exams came in the way, didn't they? I have been longing to write this letter for so many weeks, and I finally have got the chance to do so.(Yay!) So, how have things been lately? Are your exams over yet? I have my last exam scheduled next week. How are things between you and your boyfriend? How's the pandemic situation in there? And did you adopt little Richard Parker yet? Send me his pictures. And send me your pictures too. I am so eager to see how you look. Our country has already started it's unlocking phase. Offline school will probably start by next October and I am so excited to go back. Toodles's walks have become more regular. Dad says that we have to start accepting this new normal (ugh can they please not call this normal?). By the way, your room has some sort of a magic laden with it. I am becoming more and more comfortable in here with the passing days. The swing is beautiful too. Although Toodles behaves like the swing is his throne. Okay, this letter has been nothing less than a long ramble.

P.S: Mom stitched a handkerchief for you. It's in with this letter.

Goodbye.
Your pen pal,
Autumn.

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They say you're a coward if you quit, but what when you fought bravely and still lost?

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Unexplainable loneliness amongst the crowd,
Yes, her head feels heavy, she wears a thorn adorned crown.
The thorns look like rubies and diamonds, her scars imitate silver and gold,
A platinum smile she just manages to hold..
Would you dare to take a closer look? Would you not be afraid of her ugly cicatrices?
For she herself doesn't know what salve to apply to release the pain, which liniment to apply and where to...
For now she doesn't know if it's her mind or her heart that is burning, how do you differentiate between the two?
Yet, if you get close to her, she doesn't let you burn with her blazing self.
Her agonies may even bring down your pain..
But would you for once try to search for the balm that could eradicate her burns and ache?

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Dear Mariam,
Hi. It's been a long while, and a lot of things have kept me busy. So we are all finally settled down, the house is all done and dusted. Dad has also put up a bookshelf in my room (yay!). Last week, all schools had to close down, by order of the higher authorities.Masks have become a compulsion, and we don't go out quite as often. Toodles misses his strolls a lot. We do go out once a week with all precautions, but they aren't half as fun. By the way, I don't remember telling you this,a new family moved into the neighborhood just two days before the official lockdown. They live in the mansion on the other side of the road. We are inviting them for dinner this Sunday. With this lockdown imposed, everything has to be done online, including my classes. I have to have my laptop set up, and stare at it for four long hours. Ah, my eyes! How's the situation at your end? I guess I'll have to keep this letter short, as I'll have to prepare for my online exams (why can't they impose a lockdown on exams?). Take care, and stay safe!

P.S: There's a boy of about my age in the new family. He looks pretty cute to me, just saying!

Goodbye.
Your pen pal,
Autumn.

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The art of not trying to fight the inevitable, and losing energy in the process, but accepting what is, and still having faith that it will all connect and make perfect sense in the end....

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Dear Mariam,
Hey! You have a boyfriend? That's awesome! I have never had one. How's the experience of having one? Do send me a picture of you with your boyfriend. I have enclosed a picture of mine, and I will be honest, it's not the most recent one, but it's the only decent one. Hey, that just rhymed! I am a bit camera shy, you see. I like being behind the camera though. And a jamming session sounds pretty cool to me, I ain't a professional guitarist, but I used to play for my school band. I joined the photography and music clubs at Future High. Which clubs are you enrolled in? My subjects are Robotics, Computer Science, Mathematics, English, Spanish and French. Weird choice of subjects, I know. As for vacations, we don't go for vacations too often, just one big tour annually, and a few small trips here and there round the year. And I will surely plan a vacation with you whenever I get the chance. Toodles is getting naughtier by the day, you know. Yesterday I found him blissfully chewing away my baby tomatoes from our kitchen garden. I didn't even know that he had a liking for them.

P.S: I wrote this letter with your pen. I love it! Thanks!

Goodbye.
Your pen pal,
Autumn.

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We only ever realise the importance of shadows when the sun shines too bright...

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