Ellie Kwan, class of 2027
Dear friend,
Are you doing well?
I hope not.
Are you still my friend?
I’m not sure.
Are you going through a rough time?
Maybe, but so am I.
Are you my shoulder when I cry?
Somehow, you’ve never seen me cry.
Are you expecting me to listen to your waterfall of complaints?
Of course, because I have nothing better to do.
Are you brushing off my problems as if it was your own dust?
It might as well be.
Are you paying attention?
I smile, I wave, I talk.
Are you still there, with me in happiness?
I can’t find our friendship bracelet.
Are you all hanging out without me?
Yeah, I figured it out.
Are you forgetting someone?
Me.
Are you—were you—going to invite me?
Well, since I know now.
Are you there? For me?
I’m supposed to be there for you.
Are you aware that I stay silent—silent and strong—so that you can stay weak?
No.
Are you still my friend?
Are you?
Hi! I'm Ellie and I've been writing short stories since I was in 3rd grade, but partially laid off this hobby as I entered my last years of middle school / first year of high school. Recently, I've been into writing sad or dark pieces. This piece portrays the limitless sorrow an abandoned person can feel while trying to grasp on to former friends.