i stole years of your life. i don’t want forgiveness, i want you to forget me and be as happy as you can without the anchor around your neck.

it’s telling that i have more pictures of you with my brother than me in the last couple years of our relationship. i wasn’t meant for you, and i didn’t put a modicum of effort into us. i’m sorry for the heartbreak and frustration, i wasn’t worth it.

“deservingness” is a property that has always confused me, but for you the application comes naturally. you deserve happiness, you deserve love, you deserve effort. and you don’t need my judgement to know that.

you’re the strongest, most admirable person i’ve ever known, and endlessly i’m grateful for the time and care you selflessly gave me, far beyond what i deserved.

i want to say something like “i wish you had spent it on someone more worthwhile” but that isn’t true. i’m glad it was me. and i also can’t say “i wish i had acted differently” because i’m convinced i never had the potential to be what you needed. i just wish my benefit didn’t come at your expense.