Dear Maria,
I love you more than anything in this world. I honestly don’t know what I would do without you. You’re the reason I smile. I remember the time when you called me a "bad sister" and said that you were a better sister to Alessio. That really hurt me, Maria. I cried that night. I know you're only 10, but it still stung because I always try to be the best sister to you.
It also hurts when you get annoyed with me just for trying to talk to you. I wish we could talk more, but I understand you. I know you’re starting to go through puberty, and I know it’s a tough time. I just hope that one day, you’ll understand what I’ve been through. More than anything, I hope you never have to go through the same things I have, at my age or any age. I really hope you can enjoy the rest of your childhood without any of the struggles I’ve faced.
That one time I saw you step on the scale in the bathroom, my heart just sank. I saw so much of myself in you in that moment. Then I saw you doing workouts in your room, and I came to you to say, "Please, don’t start this at such a young age. Please, just enjoy your childhood." I didn’t know if you could see the tears in my eyes, but I was really on the verge of crying. It broke my heart.
Then, that time when Mom caught you on the scale, her words hurt more than I expected. She said, "What the hell are you doing? Are you starting now like your sister?" Her voice was so harsh. It stung. I cried that night, too.
I just want you to know, Maria: Enjoy the rest of your childhood. Please, enjoy it. Don’t let the things that hurt me start to hurt you. I love you more than words can say.
Your older sister
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