Avoidance
Letter 1, April 2026
This letter was written in April 2026 by a writer in our monthly anonymous letter exchange project, addressed to a stranger.
April’s prompt was “Write about what you’re avoiding—a conversation, a decision, a feeling, a truth. What happens if you stop running”
Letter I
I keep rehearsing the conversation in my head
like if I find the right words first,
it won’t hurt as much.
The truth is, I’ve been avoiding you
not because I don’t care,
but because I care enough to know
something has shifted.
Distance makes it easy to pretend.
We fill the silence with good mornings,
heart emojis,
updates about our days.
But underneath it,
there are questions I keep stepping around.
Are we still growing toward each other
or just trying not to lose what we already built?
I think I’m afraid that saying it out loud
might change everything.
That honesty might be the beginning of an ending.
But running hasn’t made it easier.
It just leaves the feeling waiting for me
every night when the calls end
and the screen goes dark.
Maybe if I stop avoiding it,
we finally get the truth
whatever that truth is.
Maybe love isn’t proven by holding on,
but by being brave enough
to speak when something matters.
So I am learning to stop running.
To choose the conversation.
To risk the answer.
Because silence
has never saved a love.
(This letter was shared here at the writer’s request.)
P.S. Each month, you’ll receive a writing prompt in your inbox. You’ll write, send your letter into the world, and receive one back from a stranger. It’s anonymous, honest, and unlike anything else in your inbox.
✉️ Ready to write yours?
With love,
Dear Stranger