Hey,

I don’t know how to start this, so I’ll just get to the point.

The reason I turned you down wasn’t because I’m not ready to date at the moment. I can’t tell you the real reason because if I do, it’ll be obvious who the other person is. My friend has been in love with you for longer than I’ve known you. I can’t tread on that.
Besides, my friend would never understand and I think it would cause everyone more heartache all around.

Of course, I can never show you this. I’m going to burn it once I finish and then burn the pad I wrote it on, so no one can do that spy trick of rubbing crayon over the next sheet of paper to see what I just wrote.

Then, I won’t lie, I’m going to pour myself a stiff drink and cry tears you’ll never see, tears no one will ever see, over feelings you’ll never know I possess.

I’m sorry. I hope you find someone less cowardly next time.

D.