Shadows & Mirrors

Dearest Sima,

I was clearing the attic today when I came across one of my old diaries. As I flipped through the pages, I couldn’t help but think that the more things change, the more they stay the same. While I think I’ve grown and changed over the years, the words on those pages told a different tale. Shadows of the past or the mirrors of today?

I live in another part of the world, my work is different, and the person I cherish most is poles apart from anyone I’ve ever loved. I remain the same. Of course, you know better than anyone else the struggles I’ve faced and overcome. But I am disappointed that I still haven’t grown past those shadows.

Don’t get me wrong, Sima. Life is good in many ways. There are pieces of my life I couldn’t have imagined when writing those shadows. Fabulous adventures and incredible moments of bliss have been mine. The core of me, however, is still holding the weight of the trauma boxes I keep locked.

I did start this with a bit of melodrama, didn’t I? Just picture me throwing myself across a bed somewhere with a heavy sigh.

In other news, I’ve managed to look at the manuscript you sent without falling asleep. The red ink is fierce but flows from a place of kindness. Who could want you to succeed more than I do? Have you heard from Marlow regarding the signing schedule?

Our favorite time of the year is upon us. I’ve already pulled a few Halloween decorations from the attic. Shameless, I know! I’ve shown restraint and haven’t tossed things on the lawn yet. What about you? Any particular theme this year?

It’s late. The night and my time.

Always, Greta