To the girl in my class:
I don't know you very well, and you don't know me. What I do know about you is nothing but positive. Since I've gone back to school, I haven't always felt comfortable making friends with the people in my classes. I've been afraid of what people will think of me when they find out I'm older than them or that I used to be a dropout. One day I came in late to class and grabbed a seat at the table closest to the door — your table. Everyone was so friendly and was able to talk and laugh together, and that made me so happy. You were kind and encouraging, always complimenting other people's work. We had discussions at our table that were intelligent but still made me laugh. A friendly face and a kind word mean more to people than you could imagine sometimes.
I know your first name and how old you are. I know you're a dancer, and I know that you're married. Today, though, I found out something new about you. Something that is even new to you, I'd imagine. Today I learned that you were among one of the injured victims from the attack on our school on Monday. You never said it directly to me, but I heard you discussing it. I wanted so badly to reach out and tell you that I'm so glad you're okay. I'm glad you're still sitting here at this table with me in class. There was so much I wanted to say, but I didn't. I didn't know if it was my place, and I didn't know if we knew each other in that way.
I heard you tell a classmate that you're okay and in good spirits. I'm so glad. I can only hope that being in the wrong place at the wrong time does not dull the light that is so clearly radiating from you. I hope that one man's attempt to terrorize our community does not leave you with any lasting scars, physical or emotional. I hope you know that even outside of friends and family, there are those that wish you well and are thankful for your well-being, including a girl that sits at your table in children's literature.
In short, I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'm sorry you happened to be in one man's path of destruction. I'm thankful that you're okay and I still get to sit next to you for a few more classes.
Sincerely,
Your Children's Literature Neighbor
