To Those Who Have Let Me Down,

You know who you are.

I don't have to address the letter because you already know it's to you. I have thought long and hard about what I have wanted to say, and whether it is even worth it to try. But after days, years, of thought, the time has come to put my thoughts out there.

You may not know what you've done, and to be totally honest, that's half the problem. When we are younger our parents always pushed us to say "I'm sorry," "For what?" they would prompt, the trouble is that we didn't always know. And if we don't know why we are apologizing, then what's the point?

So as I write this to you, I challenge you to decide what it is you've done. I don't write this letter out of malice or out of hatred, I simply write it out of disappointment. Disappointment toward those who chose to hurt me, who chose to not accept their responsibility, and who chose to let me down.

Thank you.

Two words I never thought I would say to you. But thank you. Thank you for forcing me to grow up. I may never forgive, I may never forget. But I will move past. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to change. I never want to make the same mistakes that you did.

I'm sorry.

Another two words that I never thought would come from my mouth. Instead, I always hoped they would come from yours. But I'm sorry. I'm sorry I can't give you another chance. I'm sorry that I have been hurt beyond repair, and I'm sorry that this is the end. If we no longer talk, I'm sorry it has come to this. And if we still do, I'm sorry it took me so long to get over myself. I'm sorry things may never be what they used to be.

Why?

A question I often, silently wonder to myself. Why me? Why did you choose to do this to me? I gave you so many opportunities for change, so many opportunities to reach out. But I can't control you. Why must you decide to reject me? Why did you stop caring? I was so young, I didn't deserve this, and neither did you.

What did I ever do?

It took me years to find the answer, but I finally learned. It wasn't me. I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't push you away, at least not at first. I didn't ask to be hurt, I simply suffered the consequences.

You have sucked so much hope out of my life. So many days of happiness torn away, so much glory never to be seen. So many tears shed, all because of you.

So to those who have let me down, to those who have hurt me, I have no more words for you. I have nothing else to say.

Sincerely,

A Devastated Young Girl