Dear small hometown, aka Newport, PA,

Thank you for providing me with a relatively safe space to grow up in. I've always called you home, but now it is time for a change. You've never lacked beautiful scenery, a safe space to get away, or a clear sky to count the stars, but now I am ready to trade this serenity in for a city skyline.

I'd like to say thank you for the people you've helped me meet, as this was such small, close community. I knew if I heard sirens in town at 11 p.m. a sports team just won an important game. The overwhelming school spirit and Buffalo pride was my favorite thing about living with you.

Also, thank you for never changing and always remaining a calm, safe place for now as I venture out, I'm not worried about the people I leave behind. I know you will take exceptional care of them. You've always been so caring, so please don't fail me now.

Most of all, thank you for teaching me the most valuable lessons in my life, including how to make new friends, let the words of bullies roll off my shoulders, and how blood does not make someone your family. There are a lot of loyal people who live with us, you know.

Unfortunately, you have a few weeds growing in between your flowers and they've left a sour taste in my mouth. It's because of these people you subjected me to made me hate you. Now, in a moment of clarity, you were as much of a victim to their hatred as I was.

Even worse, I'll never be able to forgive you for it. Whether or not I acknowledge my epiphany, I'll always hold a grudge. I want to love you, I really do, but I just can't. I truly never want to come back to you. It's gotten to the point where I want my family to say goodbye, too.

Yes, you're pretty, but you're toxic. You're no good for someone like me, who is trying to grow beyond what you can offer. Our memories are all I have, and I'll cherish them forever, but I'll never want to make more with you.

I'm done being the battered woman in this relationship; I've finally found my worth and added tax, but you're diminishing it in every moment I'm with you.

I'm ready to run away and never look back. Take good care of my family, and please don't miss me too much. If you couldn't tell, we're over. Hasta lavista, baby.

Sincerely,

The girl who is finally college-bound, xoxo

P.S. It's not you, it's me. Just kidding, it's definitely you.

P.P.S when my past calls, I don't answer. Remember that, save your breath, and don't call at all.