Sticks and Stories - 4. Simplify

The scorching tears have left their scars. My eyelids burn when I blink. I'm not sure if the pain will subside. I hope not. If it does, it means I've forgotten you. If I must cry more, then it shall be done. The thought of you gone seems surreal.

You've taught me more than my college educators. I never forget a worthy mentor. Your blunt and brash feedback drove me to places I've yet to witness. Your skill and passion reminded me of what you saw when you sent me that first message. Sixty-thousand words, you took from me, and I'll forever remember the weight. Even now, I feel the shadow of your big, red pen.

The proper time has not passed for me to reflect. Still, I must write. That's what you taught me. Harness that raw emotion. Push through and don't take any bullshit. Perfect the art and speak the truth, regardless if it lies in fiction. Learn the rules so I might lawfully break them. Dance with grammar, punctuation, and a character's true self in order to spin a tale. And lest I forget, reference the dictionary.

I feel you smiling. That makes me happy. I know you're riding the streets of both Heaven and Hell, leaving burn marks aplenty. I can imagine the people you're conversing with, having meaningful arguments with, and properly flipping off when they refuse to see reason. I, for one, can't wait to meet you when my time comes. To finally sip wine and smoke cigars with you… I suppose I must wait.

I hear that magical word. "Simplify."

Fine. As you wish, my asshole editor.

I'll miss you, Carlos.