Dear Elphaba,

I’m writing you today to tell you that I love you. And that I know you. And that you have impacted me more than any fictional character that ever existed. And that even though you’re not real, you’re real in my heart.

Everything about you, I understand. Because I have felt it too.

I understand what it’s like to go to college and all of a sudden feel like you can do anything. Like the gift or the curse you have inside, you’ll figure out why. Like all the things that made you strange and different are actually special.

I understand what it’s like to hate your roommate and do everything possible to get another room.

I understand how awkward it is going to a party where nobody likes you, dressed completely wrong – and trying to have a good time anyway.

I understand what it’s like to be painfully, passionately and desperately in love with somebody. And I understand the heartbreak when he doesn’t love you back. (Oh, and the girl who stole my guy’s heart first? She was blonde, too.)

I understand the thrill of going somewhere new. Everything is fresh and exciting, and you have your best friend by your side.

I understand what it’s like when, no matter what you do to help, people’s mind are made up about you. Your good intentions are never enough, and all you do is hurt people. So you finally give up. You’re wicked.

I understand the rush of adrenaline when you realize your life is finally your own, and you can do whatever you want. You are no longer going to accept limits. Some things you can’t change, but until you try, you’ll never know. So you fly solo. You fly free. You defy gravity.

And most of all, I understand that deep down, you are not wicked. You are a good person that had bad things happen to you. You are misunderstood. You’re a person with a good heart. A person who knows how to forgive. And a person who is loved.

Ever since I was 12 and I first heard your strong, haunting and mesmerizing voice, I knew you. I understood you. I was happy with you, cried with you, and believed in you. In a lot of ways, I am you.

Thank you. Thank you for being the stubborn, sarcastic, smart and good witch that you are. Thanks for teaching me there are always two sides to every story, that everyone deserves the chance to fly, and that nobody truly is wicked deep down.

Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.

Love,

Anna