A Letter from Cancer

I was in a writing workshop for closure and what it means for different people and how they may experience it in their lives. Closure is different for everyone and it affects the mental health of individuals in ways that can’t truly be described.

The person running the workshop had asked us to write a letter from the perspective of someone that we needed closure from. But as I was thinking about who I wanted this letter to be from, I realized that what I really wanted to write about was a “what” and not a “who”! 

I hope this letter helps people realize that closure is something that we can try to achieve ourselves if we just change the way we think.

Hey Zee,

I know that the saying goes “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I know I hurt you and made your life difficult, but believe me it was not my intention. I was just trying to survive in a world of darkness. Even though I tried to be quiet and secretive, I realized that if one of us survived, the other would perish. This realization made me start to give you hints about my presence, but you ignored them! 

What was I supposed to do? What more could I have done to draw your attention to me?

You must forgive me, but I had no choice. I had to break your back! There was no other way, you needed to know that I exist! You needed to know that I was THERE!

I knew then and still know that you are strong enough to fight me!

Laying in bed together for those three months was enlightening. Thank you for showing me the strength of your spirit and the strength of your soul. 

I know this should’ve made me want to give you a chance without me, but it kinda makes me never want to leave your side.

I promise that I will try to walk away from your life and never look back!

Sincerely, 

Your Cancer


The writer behind this piece has requested to remain anonymous.