A letter: September 5th, 2014

Dear FutureMe, In George Orwell's 1984, Winston Smith wrestles with oppression in Oceania, a place where the Party scrutinizes human actions with ever-watchful Big Brother. Defying a ban on individuality, Winston dares to express his thoughts in a diary and pursues a relationship with Julia. These criminal deeds bring Winston into the eye of the opposition, who then must reform the nonconformist. George Orwell's 1984 introduced the watchwords for life without freedom: BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU. Getting to know you over these last few years has changed my life. I'm happier than I have ever been, and I owe that joy to you. Before I met you, there was emptiness in my heart that at times seemed to consume me, that threatened to break me-but now my life is full of meaning and purpose. I can see my future more clearly now-you are the light in the dark that guides my steps to where I want to be. When the entire world was once overcast by subtle shades of gray, when I seemed caught in a perpetual winter, you brought vibrant color to my life, and in my heart I felt the renewal, the warmth and sunlight of spring again. I adore your kind smile and your gentle eyes. You have so much good in you. I love your quiet strength, and your desire to do right. You have such a love for others, and your example makes me want to be the best that I can be. You can always make me laugh, even when I don't always want to. When I look into your eyes-those gorgeous hazel eyes-I see a reflection of my own soul. And in your arms, I know there is no place on earth that I would rather be. I hope you remember this, and if you still are as annoying as you were in high-school with jacob, jack, Calvin, piper, Eliza, and Daniel, then I don't know what to say, but if you aren't then I congratulate you! I know you have grown into a proper young man with a successful life, if you haven't, then get out there and stop moping around! NOW! Lukas Geiger