I do not know if you even remember me, but I remember you. I remember the way I treated you in high school, and I carry the shame of it every single day.
I was cruel. I laughed at your expense, made fun of things that were never mine to judge, and stood by while others did the same. Maybe I thought it made me look stronger, maybe I was just trying to fit in, but none of that is an excuse. The truth is, I was weak. I took the easy way out joining in instead of standing up.
Looking back, I see things so differently. I see how unfair it was, how lonely it must have felt for you. I see the way I contributed to that loneliness, and it makes me sick. You never deserved it. You were just a kid like the rest of us, trying to make it through. And I made it harder for you.
I do not expect forgiveness, but I need you to know this “I am sorry”. Truly, deeply sorry. If I could go back, I would change everything. I would stand beside you instead of against you. I would be the friend I should have been.
Wherever you are now, I hope life has given you all the happiness and kindness that I failed to. You deserved better. I hope you found it.