Wander Susan Wonder

Dear London,

I’ll never forget the feeling I had when I walked from St. Peters across Millennium Bridge for the first time. I thought I loved you before, but this was different. There was such a deep sense of knowing I could live here, I had to live here! That one summer was unforgettable. I tried to learn everything about you….and just like any good summer love, I never wanted it to end. I knew real life was lurking around the corner, but I ignored it with all my might.

I quickly had favorite places. I imagined where my apartment would be. I made a shopping list of all the things I would buy my first official week as a resident. Just like that…I knew the summer would last forever. It felt so right….like it was supposed to happen all along. And just like every summer…it ended, in a more permanent way than I ever imagined.

I found out a few months later that it would not be possible to live with you, to  experience even more, to become a Londoner. There’s no need to talk about all the anger and grief that came about in this letter…but just know it was there. Just like any relationship that doesn’t go as planned, I needed some kind of closure.

I stopped by about a week ago. You were still charming and unforgettable and my favorite, but different at the same time. I went back to Millennium Bridge and crossed it several times, but it wasn’t exactly the same. My onward ticket kept reminding me that these few days were moving quickly. I was sad, but mostly thankful. Thankful that I got to spend one of the best summers ever with you. Thankful that you changed me for the better. Thankful that you play a major role in some of my fondest memories. And mostly thankful that even though you and me are not together right now…..who knows what the future holds.

Sincerely,

Your Friend Susan