Chrysalis.

I stopped reading almost as soon as I picked up the envelope. Who could have left this? Looking around I became paranoid someone was surely observing whatever sick game this was, I began to regret the letter taped to the door of my black 2012 Honda Accord. No one, not in 15 years had addressed, let alone referred to me by my given name. Moving to North Carolina from Washington had proved challenging but good to me, yet I’ve only introduced myself as ‘Ali’ for numerous reasons; and in those 11 months I’ve kept my relationships limited. Ducking into my car and cherishing the tinted windows I fondled the envelope.

Who even writes letters anymore anyway?? Turning it over, the envelope wasn’t sealed but instead tucked inside of itself as if to welcome its secrets to the world. Pulling the letter out and gingerly unfolding it, the printed text reads:

Our reflections meet daily although our matters have not entangled. These words will reach your eyes and you will be in disbelief.

Yea, well you have no idea.

I want to get that out of the way before you read too much further. Two truths, one lie;

you own an ant farm,

this July will make it one year since you’ve left your home in Washington,

your true name is Chrysalis Ione Tartarus.

I do not own ant farm, though I do raise caterpillars, this is not the most pressing matter. This damn icebreaker game is being turned against me but whoever wrote this is aware of a handful of correct information and it’s deeply personal. At the sight of my name my brain dissociates, my hands go numb, and my throat itches. The darkened Honda Accordparked in the shade feels like an oven even with the sun setting on the day.

Did you pick your lie? Don’t let your mind wander too deep around it because we WILL get to that part. I just need some foundation of trust because I know I can trust you. Especially for what needs to be done. There are events in my world that will spill into yours if we don’t work together and I NEED YOU. Our existences are interwoven and we are both vital to the other’s survival.

Survival? Glancing into the rear view and meeting my own eyes a shockwave coursed through my spine. I looked back and my gaze is held by something-someone in the reflection and I can’t look away until I feel the paper in my hand crinkle almost independently. As if to say keep reading on. Survival.

As soon as we are together again things will move fast, but until that moment don’t let the shadows suck you in. There’s a lot to be afraid of when you’re Realm Royalty but hopefully these words will awaken your duties:

“Carry the weight using your feet, fight using your heart.” Speak them to yourself to hear and see. Give them back to the wind to be carried to others, and with your words make no guarantees. We will come together soon, but Chrysalis I must warn you of the birds that fly, the rodents that thieve, the lizards in hunger, and the parasites in wait. These will be what you least see. You are a part of me.

Seasons switch. Sila.

Bewilderment switching to unamused, I fold the letter with no answers or connections to what is even supposed to for me. I don’t know a Sila. So who is this and how do they know me?