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FIFTY-NINE

Alderney State Penitentiary,

Dear Amethyst,

I can’t thank you enough for accepting my proposal. You have made me the happiest man in existence. I swear on my soul to be as gentle as you need and respect every one of your boundaries.

You are my salvation, my guiding light. I hold you and your dignity in the highest esteem.

The warden gave me a final warning about the contents of my correspondence and played a clip of you reading my letter out on social media. I confess to being so awestruck by your radiance and confidence that I could barely concentrate on your words.

My lawyer checked what I wrote and assured me that it contains no libel, hate speech, or incitements of others to violence, but the warden is willing to withdraw the conjugal visit if I step out of line.

It appears that the First Amendment doesn’t apply in New Alderney.

They don’t like the think pieces my letters inspire about the American judiciary system, nor do they appreciate the outpouring of stories from former inmates and those with relatives behind bars .

For the sake of our love, I implore you not to read out the contents of this letter until after my execution.

I’ve mailed my mother’s locket and would be honored if you would wear it when we next meet. As you know, it’s the only thing I retained of her before she died. Please pair it with the black bodice I bought from your Wonderland wish list and lace stockings.

Don’t worry about rings. I will supply two platinum bands. Let me take what might be this last chance to thank you for entering my life. Your love is the essence that flows through my veins, that makes my heart beat. Thanks to you, I can finally connect with my humanity.

To my fans, I say thank you for your love and support. Knowing that you’ve all donated to my funeral expenses has filled my heart to bursting.

May our souls be forever bound until the end of time.

Love,

Xero

P.S. Please don’t be discouraged. I will find a way for us to be together.