Dear Julian,

Tonight, we sat at the edge of the infinity pool, in somewhat chilly water, looking to the sky.

We'd done this before... admiring the faint white flickers of light, against shades of black and cobalt blue.

In some ways, it was reminiscent of previous experiences.

We still felt tiny... minuscule even. The incomprehensible vastness of the sky implying our insignificance.

Something was different tonight, though.

I don't just mean the way the stars reflected effortlessly off the rippling black waters of the Indian Ocean.

Or how the way that we were safely stranded in said ocean, allowed us to better appreciate nature's nighttime decorations... No busy city skylines or wires to choke and inhibit our view.

Tonight, the stars looked especially mysterious, plastered all around us, as if from a higher power flicking his dripping, white paint brush erratically yet methodically against a blackened canvas.

It just... It got me thinking, Julian.

It got me thinking that maybe, stars are like secrets... each one holding its breath, afraid to show itself in the light of day.

Only having the courage to appear when the rest of the world has gone to sleep. Hoping to be lost amongst all the other secrets of the sky that nobody admires enough anyway.

Some secrets large, taking up more room in our quiet minds.

Some small, feeling as though the thoughts are not important enough to be made into words.

Some bright, white, and hot as coal- burning us from the inside.

Some dim, from embarrassment, or maybe from lots of time fading its details.

Large or small, bright or dim. Night still holds all the ever-present secrets, so I was wondering...

What are yours, Julian?

If the vastness of your soul is like the sky, leaving me likewise feeling tiny and insignificant in comparison, will you show me more of yourself in the nighttime?

This night? Or any night.

Because no matter how much I know about your soul full of secrets, it will never be enough. I'll always need more. Craving to learn the deepest corners of your mind, as it changes slowly with the passing years.

A constant desire for familiarity, for all parts belonging to you. Dark skies and vibrant stars alike.

Perhaps, though, something can be said about light and darkness.

This duality is not your fault, Julian. Nothing ever could be. Each of us holds that within us. Sometimes, though, darkness does not fight fairly, and the light must work harder to show itself.

Will you help it, Julian?

Will you try your absolute hardest to oppose that darkness, no matter how it may fight for control?

Please let me in. I'm an expert darkness fighter... the fact that I am even here with you tonight, proving it so. Though, I do have plenty of secrets to share with you still.

I see both in you, Jules. The light and the darkness.

And I just want you to know, you don't have to be afraid. I love you still.

And I'm here, even in the dark.

- B