Look Out Your Window

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------September 9th, 2011

Dear Mark,

Welcome to our neighborhood! I saw you moved into Mr. Miller’s old home. He was a nice man, but found that the small town life was not for him, unfortunately. The little blue house has been empty for so long, but it is so nice to see the lights on again! How do you feel about the house so far? Does it feel like a home yet?

You may think that this letter is a little old fashioned or cliche, but I think there is something unique and intimate about hand-written letters. To see the words written by someone's hand from pen or pencil.

If you would like to return a letter to me, simply leave it in your mailbox. I prefer to keep who I am a secret - for now - and let there be an aura of mystery for a little while. 

Best Wishes,

W.

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September 11th, 2011

Hello, ‘W’,

Thank you for your kind note. I like the handwritten letter; I agree that there is something unique about it. As for the house, I do like it, although it doesn’t feel quite like a home yet. I hope it will, and soon. It still feels empty, especially now that I live alone after my divorce. Sorry, probably a little too personal for a first letter.

You wanting to remain unknown does peak my interest, but it makes me curious how you knew my name. My guess is that news just travels quickly in small towns, and I hope that it is not rude when I say I imagine you as an older lady who sits with her friends during noon over treats and gossiping about the town. 

I will leave this letter in my mailbox per your request; I hope you find it well.

Kindly, 

Mark

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------September 12th, 2011

Good Morning, Mark

I am glad you decided to return my letter. I am sorry to hear about your divorce, but do not apologize for telling me. I think letters are the perfect way to talk about deeper and personal things. I am sure it was rough for you to move two states away from her. If you wish to discuss either the divorce or other problems, do not hesitate, for I am here to listen (rather, read!)

As for me knowing your name, news does travel quickly in a small town, and it gave me quite a chuckle with what you think I look like. I do not find it rude at all, although I am afraid I will neither confirm nor decline on whether or not it is true. 

Have you passed by the bakery on main street? They have poppyseed muffins that are just to die for. You strike me as someone who enjoys a good muffin for breakfast.

With my regards,

W.

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September 15th, 2011

Greetings, W

Thank you for understanding about my divorce, but how did you know I moved two states away? Surely that news couldn’t have spread, because not even the real estate agent knows.

I have seen the bakery, and I decided to stop in after reading your letter. You were right, I do enjoy muffins, and the poppyseed one was delicious! 

I also want to thank you for saying I can tell you about my other problems. Things have been really messy since the divorce.

Sincerely, 

Mark

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September 16th, 2011

Dearest Mark,

There are many ways news travels around a small town, things that real estate agents aren’t necessarily a part of. 

I am glad you enjoyed the muffin! It surprised me though when you went back and bought three more for later, but I would have done the same, haha!

I am sorry to hear about the mess your ex-wife has put you through. However, you seem to be feeling more at home. The curtains you put up look lovely, and that little tablecloth really puts the dining room together. Also, I think the blue wallpaper looks better than the yellow. The yellow does not go very well with your bedroom carpet. 

Signed for you,

W.

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September 18th, 2011

To W,

Are we immediate neighbors? If so, I would rather like the mystery to end and to meet you. Your knowledge about my house is rather scary, and makes me feel a little unsafe, especially since I haven't brought home wallpaper samples yet. And how did you know that I went back for more muffins?

From Mark

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September 19th, 2011

Sweet Mark,

I prefer keeping my identity a secret still, and I am not your immediate neighbor, but I am closer than you would think. 

I am simply just trying to help you when it comes to making you feel at home. You are going to be here forever, why not feel comfortable?

I think that you should get rid of the box with Maxine’s stuff in your closet. You don’t want to keep holding on to her, especially since she left right as your mothers health starts to decline. 

It made me so upset to see you crying after that call with Jane, but I do agree with her when it comes to putting your mother in a care facility. With her forgetting as much as she does, I think that it would be best for her. 

Dedicatedly, 

W.

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September 23rd, 2011

W, how do you know all of that? My ex-wife’s name, about my sister and mother. You’re scaring me, so this is my last letter to you.

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September 23rd, 2011

My loveliest Mark,

It was exciting seeing you look around for me when you read my letter, and when you dropped your last one off. I know that you love me as much as I love you, you just don’t know it yet. Soon enough we'll be together, forever, and you will be a part of my life and collection.

With love,

W.

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September 24th, 2011

I am contacting the authorities.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------September 24th, 2011

My Mark,

Look out your window.

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[Police Report Excerpt]

Date: September 27, 2011

Time: 20:28

Reporting Officer: Detective Henry Stewarts

Resident of 3289 2nd Ave (Mark Sullivan) called to report a strange arrangement in front of his house. Upon arrival, officers discovered a heart shape made out of human remains, including: bones, organs, teeth, and at center a fresh human heart. The heart shape was approximately seven feet wide and about nine feet in length. The forensics team ran tests and believes the remains are made up of six people, all past owners of the home. Sullivan was not at the scene upon arrival, and search parties are looking for him now. 

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