You stumble upon a random letter on the path. You read it. It affects you deeply, and you wish it could be returned to the person to which it’s addressed. Write a story about this encounter. Today’s twist: Approach this post in as few words as possible.

I see it. The tear-stained envelope for which you’ve worked all of your life.

I feel it. The anguish that creeps into your voice everytime you ask mom again “did it come?”

I hear it. The great and grating sadness you already feel as you anticipate that, sure enough, you have come up short.

“We regret to inform you, but…”

I don’t know what mom intended to say. She’d have to tell you at some point, right? I sure wish I could go back to unknowing, but I do promise I’ll be here to console you.

I understand the weight of disappointment. But don’t worry, there are opportunities as good as or better than that which was lost. That school don’t know what they missed anyway. We still love you.