💌 Reply Letter to 2017 Sofea

Dear Sofea (from 2017),

I just read your words, and I want you to know: I hear you. I see the way you kept your love quiet, the way you cried behind smiles, the way you forgave too quickly because you were scared to lose even a piece of him.

You were so full of hope, even when it hurt. You thought staying silent was strength. But now I know better—and I wish I could have hugged you then.

You weren’t weak for loving him. You were human.

But you deserved someone who loved you back, with the same softness and the same fire.

And guess what?

You’re no longer standing in the spot where he left you.

You’re walking forward now.

You’ve grown. You’ve become someone brave enough to tell the truth out loud, to cry without shame, and to let go even when it still aches a little.

I’m so proud of you.

You’re going to be okay. In fact—you already are, more than you realize.

—With love,

Sofea (2025)