Along with the rest of the regular mail, a letter comes, a bit battered from its long journey, addressed to simply “Friends”. The writing on the envelope is a blocky style of handwriting, one that is quite familiar and triggers a bit of a nostalgic feeling.
Inside the envelope, the letter reads:
“Friends at TFI,
I am so very sorry I disappeared. I did not mean to abandon everyone in this way. Mother got very sick and I had to return home to care for her, and I was never able to make my way to the outpost to send a letter until now because of blizzards.
I never meant to abandon my life there the way I did. I never expected I would be here this long. But Mother needed quite a bit of help to heal, and I did not feel right leaving her alone. It would not be fair to her, or to sisters who would have to care for her alone. So once again, the snow of the motherland has become my home.
I quite miss life there. I miss the sun and the friendships and the fun. But I do not think I will be able to return. Mother is still very weak, and I want to be sure I am there in case things get bad again. I wish things were different, but… This is how things must be. I am so very sorry about this.
P and E: I apologize for failing you. You both deserve better than what I had to offer you. I will forever miss the wonderful times we had together, and also holding the both of you in my arms. I hope the two of you are infinitely happy, and I wish you nothing but the best. You were so very good to me, and in return, I simply left without warning…. I am so, so sorry. Please, enjoy your life together, and make the most of it in my absence. You both are stronger than you will ever know. (Included with this letter are a few drafts of poems I have written for my next collection. Some are about the time we spent together. I hope you can enjoy them, but if they only serve to upset you, I can understand.) I hope I did not cause you too much heartache, and I wish you all the best in life.
I am so sorry that I was this way to all of you. All of my friends deserve better. If I could make it up to you, I would, but… At this point, I think is better to leave quietly, so I do not hurt anyone any more than I already have. I do hope that everyone is doing well, and that their lives have flourished in my absence.
I love each and every one of you. I will forever treasure the memories we shared.
-Misha Yulitov, former RED Heavy”















