Dear Future Me,

Hey. How are you—like, *really*? I hope you’re doing okay. I hope you’re waking up with more peace than dread, and that your heart feels a little lighter than it does right now.

I’m 19, stuck in the weird space between trying to be productive and melting into my bed. Technically I’m in my summer semester at ECC, but don’t let that fool you—I’m only taking one online class, which mostly means I’m “studying” in pajama pants with a snack in each hand.

Lately, I’ve been completely obsessed with Batman, especially the Batfamily. Red Hood and Nightwing? Yeah, they own my soul right now. Do they still? Or have you moved on to something else? Please tell me it’s not something cursed. Or at least not *too* cursed.

I keep thinking about whether you’re still close with the people I love right now. Are we still friends with them? I hope so. I *really* hope so. Because as much as I know we’re all growing up and getting busy with our own lives, it still hurts to feel the distance creeping in. Everyone’s doing their own thing—G’s working, J’s helping with his little brother, JJ’s got their partner, Joos is balancing work and family. And me? I feel stuck. Like I’m running in place while everyone else is moving forward.

I try to reach out, but sometimes the silence makes my chest ache. I know they still care—I *know* it—but it’s hard not to feel left behind. I miss the days when everything was simpler, even though I complained back then too.

But no matter what, I’m not giving up on them. They’re my best friends. My people. And I don’t care how far apart we are or how long it’s been—we’re beating the post-high school curse, even if I have to send dramatic voice memos and drag us all into a nursing home together, old and chaotic as ever.

So… tell me you’re still holding onto that love. Tell me you didn’t lose yourself completely along the way. Tell me things got better. That you feel more okay than I do right now. That the version of me writing this—tired, scared, a little lost—is someone you look back on with compassion, not judgment.

Wherever you are, I hope you’re proud. Even if it took a while to get there. I hope you’re choosing yourself. I hope you’re surrounded by love, even if it looks different than it used to.

And if you’re not there yet… that’s okay too. Just keep going. You’re worth the effort.

With all my love,
**Past You**