Dear Brandon,

Hello! I've been in Washington, D.C., all weekend!

I'm sorry we haven't seen each other in awhile, but your Tumblr remains one of the few whose link I've memorized. I still read up on it, of course.

Anyway. I just wanted to wish you a heartfelt happy birthday -- that kind of happy birthday in which you hope the person is able to somehow experience being a kid again, despite the undeniable passing of time, because you know that they've been feeling kind of old lately and you don't think that anyone with such a precious imagination should feel old just because of the way the world works.

I pray that somehow, sometime today, you were able to feel like a kid again.

And even if it didn't... can I be honest?

You're the closest thing I know to a superhero because you're the only one I know who believes in them. And I think that's heroic in itself.

You're so unique, Brandon. You have a brilliant creative mind, and even in dark times when you think that that mind has left you, remember that that's IMPOSSIBLE. You ARE your mind, you ARE your ideas, you ARE your imagination and your writing, and as long as you are alive, so will your mind, your ideas, your imagination, and your writing be.

Don't give in to the world; I know how the world can be sometimes. You're an imaginative fighter, and I hope that you always stay that way. And I truly hope that you will find that one damsel who knows your secret identity long before you save her.

And maybe she'll be the one who saves you.

Stay hopeful, stay young, stay you. Don't let anything else screw you up. It's all a choice, though a hard one in this world. But I believe you're strong enough to make the right decision, Hero.

And whenever you need a word of encouragement, don't ever hesitate to hit me up. I always have an ear. A year from now, five years from now, ten years from now. Even if we haven't talked for those ten years. Because I have a secret desire to be a hero, too -- one who saves youth, creativity, and imagination. You're not the only one I've really, really wanted to save.

I wish much love and happiness to you on your birthday.

:D

-- Irene.