Dear Vanessa

Why do we have to let go?

Photo by Malcoln Oliveira via Pexels

Dear Vanessa,

It’s been ten years, but I still remember that rose tattoo of yours. It peeked out from your shoes, a hint of red at your ankle as if someone had pressed a painted lipstick smile there. You would tug at your socks and give an embarrassed grin whenever someone noticed it. I never said a word — though I loved your bashful looks — but I always wished I could…