A thousand Boy Kisses

would feel in a world devoid of you. But even though I understand, it pains me
that my absence will do this to you.

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The hardest part was watching those I love crumble. The worst part for me,
with you, was watching the anger burn within. Please, do not allow that to
happen again.
If only for me, continue to be the man you have become. The best man I know.
You will see that I have given you a box.
I asked your pappa to help me weeks and weeks ago. I asked him to help me—
he did so without a second thought. Because he loves you so very much.
I hope you know this now too.
In the box there will be another large envelope. Please open it now, then I will
explain.

My heart raced as I gently placed Poppy’s letter on my bed. With shaking
hands, I reached into the box and pulled out the large envelope. Needing to see
what she had done, I quickly broke the seal. Reaching inside, I pulled out a
letter. My eyebrows pulled down in confusion, then I saw the letterhead, and my
heart completely stopped:
New York University. Tisch School of the Arts.
My eyes scanned down the page, and I read:
Mr. Kristiansen, On behalf of the admissions committee, it is my honor and
privilege to share with you that you have been admitted to our Photography &
Imaging program…
I read the entire letter. I read it twice.
Not understanding what was happening, I scrambled to find Poppy’s letter and
read on.
Congratulations!
I know that right now you will be confused. Those dark-blond eyebrows I adore
so much will be pulled down and that scowl that you wear so well will be etched
on your face.
But it’s okay.

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I expect you to be shocked. I expect you to resist at first. But, Rune. You won’t.
This school has been your dream since we were kids, and just because I am no
longer there to live my dream alongside you, it does not mean that you should
sacrifice yours.
Because I know you so well, I also know that in my final weeks, you will have
abandoned everything to stay by my side. I love you for that more than you will
ever understand. The way you cared for me, protected me … the way you held
me in your arms and kissed me so sweetly.
There is nothing I would change.
But I know that your love would sacrifice your future.
I couldn’t let that happen. You were born to capture those magical moments,
Rune Kristiansen. I have never seen a talent like yours. I have also never seen
someone so passionate about anything. You are meant to do this.
I had to make sure it happened.
This time, I had to carry you.
Before I ask you to look at something else, I want you to know that it was your
pappa who helped me assemble your portfolio to secure your place. He has also
paid for the first semester’s tuition as well as your dorms. Even when you
continued to hurt him, he did this so selflessly it brought me to tears. He did this
with so much pride in his eyes that it floored me.
He loves you.
You are loved beyond measure.
Now, please open box number one.

Swallowing back fraying nerves, I took hold of the labeled box and pulled it
open. Inside was a portfolio. I flicked through the pages. Poppy and my pappa
had pulled together picture after picture of landscapes, sunrises, sunsets. In truth,
the work I was most proud of.
But then, when I reached the last page, I stilled. It was Poppy. It was the
picture of Poppy on the beach with me all those months ago. The one where she

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had turned to me at the most perfect moment, allowing me to capture her on film
—a picture that spoke to her beauty and grace more than any words could do.
My favorite photo of all time.
Chasing back the tears from my eyes, I ran my finger over her face.
She was so perfect to me.
Slowly setting the portfolio down, I picked her letter back up and continued.