Three Months Before the Wedding

Dearest Abigail Shurn,

I am writing to inform you that I have received your wedding invitation but as I'm sure you must already be aware I must decline attending. I imagine the invitation itself was merely sent due to some notion of childhood loyalty, perhaps even to placate parents who refuse to accept that their daughter may have eroded such an important formative relationship. Whatever the case, I want there to be no hard feelings between us.

You must know that I have been long married to a wonderful Paladanian professor who lectures in one of the most prominent Halapatovian universities, and has been essential in the restructuring of our higher education systems since the war and a staunch advocate for unity within our system. He adores me and we have two beautiful children and are expecting a third near the end of the year.

It is apparent that we have lived very different lives since we last saw each other. I can’t say I didn’t expect as such given our last meeting, and the company you have been keeping.

I can imagine the spectacle you are creating on Flauraan, the chaos of inviting all manner of aliens to our village. It must be very exciting to be the center of all that attention, to be marrying an alien as well. I almost regret that I won't be present to bear witness to the inevitable calamity of it all.

Nonetheless, I wish you and your family happiness and health. If ever on Halapatov, don't hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Leila Saccente-Druz