Many of you have showed a great deal of concern for Kayla, for which I thank you. Inca says that she is doing well—she and Mary have moved their usual conversations to text, and though things were a bit awkward for a while, they have fallen back into the rhythms of trust. Kayla is beginning to believe that she really is safe, which is wonderful. Inca is staying with her, just in case; she also thanks you for your concern and good wishes.
I am so glad and honored to have been asked for assistance in this matter, and I am equally grateful to have friends that I too can ask for help when my powers are insufficient. I had reason just this weekend to ask my friend Sabasa for assistance, and she graciously agreed, granting a touch of inspiration to Jonathan when he most needed it.
In this evening’s newspaper, a letter to the editor ran on the first page. Standish is a small town, after all, and all who read the letter understand why it was given such prominence. I include it here verbatim, because it quite speaks for itself.
My honored opponent asked a question of me at our debate that gave me pause. It was something I was not expecting, and if I may say, a rather personal question. But upon reflection, I believe I have an answer for him that may benefit the entire community to hear.
As Mr. Fuller observed, I am in a romantic relationship with Ms. Lauren Isaacs, a teacher at BEHS. We have been together for approximately half a year, and while I have no desire to air any kind of laundry, I have every reason to believe that the relationship will continue. Mr. Fuller’s concern, however, was that this connection will lead to bias in my decisions if I am elected to the school board. His worry is not unreasonable, I admit. But I hope that I can reassure the citizens of this town that this will not be the case. For one thing, Ms. Isaacs and I have made every effort to be discreet, and we hope that we have given nothing but a good example to the students and their families who are aware of our relationship.
For another thing, I do not believe that my relationship with Ms. Isaacs is anything but a benefit to me and indeed, to my campaign. I can honestly say that if not for her, I would not be running. If not for her, I would not have discovered in myself a desire to help young people. Being with Lauren has shown me that I want to be a good man, but more than that, I now know that I want to take on responsibility in this community. I have learned from her that kindness and good thoughts are not enough—good women and men must act. Her passion and her dedication to her students—and not only her students, but all children and young adults in our town—has inspired me, and if elected, I promise this community that I will uphold the same values she does.
Finally, I refuse to believe that my connection to Lauren Isaacs is something that must be hidden and minimized. We have done nothing to be ashamed of, and being together makes us both happier and stronger. Because I am with her, I am enabled to do more good in this town than I ever did before I met her, and that will be true whether I am elected or not.
So, to answer my honored opponent’s original question, in fact, Lauren’s influence has already changed me. It has strengthened my passion for students and given me the courage to step forward on their behalf. It has given me a hunger to know all of the young people in this community as she knows her students, and to fight for what is right for them all. And it gives me a safe place to go home to, so that I can face each new day with a steady heart. I can see nothing to regret in that.
Lauren cried when she read the letter, and she wasn’t the only one. She ran directly from her home to the shop where Jonathan was just about to close up, and ignoring the two remaining customers in the store, she threw her arms around him, the newspaper still flapping in her hand, and kissed him. The two customers looked at one another with small smiles—both had read the letter.
So I think that problem is solved. Sabasa, thank you once again for your assistance. As the letter says, the influence of a loving other can make a great difference.