Dear Hannah Baker,
I know that you are a fictional character created by a talented author. I know that the situations you endured were fictional and special to you. I know that no matter what happens to you, even if Clay Jensen told you he loved you while you were still alive, you are still dead. I know all of these are true. The other thing I know is that there are people, non-fictional people, in our society that face the same thing you went through on a daily basis. I know that there are people who do get bullied, who do consider suicide, and who do feel like the world is against them. And I have something to say to those people: I'm sorry.
I guess before I continue with this letter, I should readdress it.
Dear Real Life Hannah Baker,
I am sorry for the way you have been and are treated on a daily basis. I'm sorry that you feel alone and that you have no one to turn to. I'm sorry if you have felt betrayed by someone you thought you had a connection with. I'm sorry if you lost your best friends over seemingly small things. I'm sorry if someone took away your opportunity to feel appreciated and seen, or if someone made you feel like you were a spectacle to be gawked at. I'm sorry if you feel like you are not good enough for the person you like, and above all: I'm sorry if someone took advantage of you, sexually or otherwise.
I will not sit here and tell you it will all be okay, or to just hold on, or the grass is greener on the other side. You have seen that far too often, and it is not fair. Many times, it will get worse before it gets better. You may go through worse things than ever before, but what can I tell you? You are strong. I know that it can feel like you aren't and that you will never see the end of what you're going through, but you can survive. You have survived to read this letter, to see these words and that is incredible.
It is okay to break down and to let everything that is happening hurt. Because it hurts, I know it does. But once you let it hurt, once you let it all in and feel like you've hit rock bottom, fight back. Climb out of that hole all of the people in your life have dug for you by tooth and nail, and show them you're better, that you're stronger. And above all, know that you are never truly alone. There are people who do care about you, as hard as it may be to believe. And even though we may only know each other through this letter, I am always here for you.
Love,
Someone you can always come to
