Chloe | Letter 01 — I don't want to be brave today

I've been strong for a long time. Today I'm writing to you instead.

I’ve been quiet for too long, and I won’t pretend otherwise. I decided to take 18 months, find myself a writing coach, and get better at my craft. I am back now with a little more skill than I had before.

I’m going back to my writing den to finish Chloe’s story, and while I do, she’s going to write to you directly.

She’s been wanting to write to you. Here she is.

— G.J.

​

I miss them so much. The journey home from the east tore my heart from my chest. I left so many of the people I love behind.

My Valen. My rock. I would have been a mess without him.

Outside our small town of Fairacre, something I have heard of but never seen until now is making a hell of a racket.

My people are so strong. I can see fear in their eyes, but they stand true next to me.

Could you imagine that a few seasons ago, I was sneaking out of a horrible-smelling sewer? Unbelievable what can happen when people stand together and act.

There it goes again. That sound. It tears through my head. Valen, my giant of a man, is sitting in his office with his fingers in his ears.

I am so tired, but I cannot slink away and hide. I so want to, though, so badly. Just let me lie in his arms.

That sound.

I need to sign this off and get back out there.

Time to be brave, Chloe.

- C