Muse-7
I’ve read a lot of Slowly stories about in-person meetings with your penpals. It sounded like a really nice thing and I secretly hoped I would experience it sometime. I love letter writing, the whole excitement of the wait is what makes it so beautiful. So when I found Slowly, and realized it was the platform I needed, I was hooked. Sent letters out on a daily basis. Sometimes I would get immediate replies, other times it takes a little longer. But I don’t mind either way. Sometimes when it takes over a month, chances of a reply are reduced greatly.
Then December 14, 2022 that narrative changed. I had sent out a letter a month and a good number of days without it being read, let alone replied. I had forgotten I sent a letter to be honest. But finally a reply came through sometime at the death of the day. I was already asleep by then. But I woke up to (1 letter arrived). I read it, and sent a reply about 4 hours later. That was the start of a wonderful journey.
It started with a simple letter. We wrote about our favorite books, cultural differences, and the dreams we carried. Shares stories, shenanigans, experiences and songs. Some of them songs are tied to special moments we shared so much so that anytime they would start to play, that memory replays in our minds. Each reply brought us closer, and over time, those words on a screen became something I truly looked forward to. Before I knew it, we had become more than just pen pals—we had become real friends.
As the weeks turned into months, we decided to move our conversations to a more instant platform. It felt like the natural next step in our growing friendship. Through countless chats, we shared laughter, deep conversations, and even moments of silence that felt just as meaningful.
Three days after the two-year anniversary of our first letter, something incredible happened: we met in person. It was surreal, like seeing the pages of a book come to life. All the conversations, the laughter, and the connection we had built over two years culminated in that moment. It was a reminder of how far we had come—from strangers exchanging letters to friends meeting face-to-face. I had feared I would be awkward and it would take time for us to get used to each other in person. But it was the polar opposite. It felt like two old friends that hadn’t seen each other in two years.
Slowly gave me more than just a pen pal—it gave me a lifelong friend. Our story is proof that meaningful connections can start with a single letter. For anyone hesitant to take that first step, I hope this reminds you of the beauty that can come from simply writing „Hello.“ Your soulmate awaits.
And to you, my dear Litt.Firefly, it has been quite the journey, feels like I’ve known you my whole life. That first meeting will continually play in my head. I can’t wait for whatever the future holds for us both. It’ll sure be a rollercoaster, but I’m looking forward to the lows as much as I’m looking forward to the highs. Thank you for the little light you shone into my life. I absolutely adore you.
Thank you Slowly!