Dearest Molly,

You have always been a trusted confidant for me which is why I have decided to address these letters to you. I don't plan on having anyone read them, but I find comfort in the knowledge that there is at least one person I can trust with these secrets.

When I was first gifted this journal for my sixteenth birthday, I thought I would never use it. In truth, I never found much comfort from pouring my soul onto a page, especially with Abigail sniffing around my bedroom at every opportunity. And yet I found myself needing a place to go, a person to confide in, but I could not find the words to express just how I felt. I tried to tell you, I wanted to, but the words just did not come.

Then I remembered this very journal. If I could not speak the words, perhaps I could write them. Perhaps then I could finally lift this burden from my shoulders and have an outlet for the way I am feeling. I hope pouring my heart out between these pages will be enough to lift the burden, but I fear that they may not and I will continue to suffer through it all.

You see, dear Molly, I believe I have fallen in love.

Although I cannot say for certain since I have limited experience on the matter, I believe I might have found the person I wish to spend the rest of my life with. Maybe it's a childish fantasy, the dreams of a seventeen-year-old girl on the cusp of adulthood, but I think I have found him. I hope I have.

I will not confide in you who it is just yet, not until I can say for certain that he is the one for me, but I wanted someone to know just how I felt. Maybe one day I shall reveal the person who has become my heart's desire, but for now, I believe I have said enough. Perhaps next time I shall be more experienced on the matter.

Until next time.

Love, Catherine.

~~~

First Published - February 4th, 2022