Work Text:
Dear Will,
I went to see a movie last night. It just came out, it’s called Dead Poets Society. Max and Lucas probably already watched it. Have they told you about it? It’s great, I really liked it.
There’s a guy named Charlie who reminds me of Steve, and another one, Todd, who looks a lot like your friend Robin. There’s a scene about how “words and ideas can change the world” that was so inspiring.
I haven’t been working much on my novel lately. My dad said I’ve been waisting too much time on it and I should focus on my studies instead, so I kinda stopped. But this morning I woke up and that quote was stuck in my head. I took out my typewriter and spent all day writing. Words just flowed out of my hands, I forgot where I was. I could just feel myself back in Hawkins with you guys.
Anyways, the movie was good! But it was heartbreaking: one of the characters dies. His roommate (Todd) is the last of his friends to learn about it. He runs out of their dorm, into a snowy field, looks around and says “It’s so beautiful”, because the snow was gorgeous. I bet he was cold, I don’t think he cared.
Luckily I was alone, because I started crying during that scene. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because that’s how I felt when they found your fake body all those years ago. The trees and the stars were mesmerising that night, but you weren’t around to see them. You were all alone, stuck in that awful place.
And I couldn’t save you. I swear I tried, but no one would listen to me. They couldn’t understand what I was feeling. Hell, I didn’t understand it myself. I only knew that I was there, and you weren’t. I hate to admit it, but that night I went home and cried into my mother’s arms until I stopped shaking.
Todd was such a good friend to Neil. Was I ever that kind to you? Probably not, I’ve been so rude. I’m sorry,Will. Well, now I’ve spoiled the movie so I can’t send you this letter. I’ll have to hide it somewhere. I hope you’ll watch the movie though. I miss you.
Love, Mike