Ben's Point Of View

I went to check the mail for my uncle, I flipped through the stack hoping to see my name on at least one of the envelopes. I was hoping for a letter from my mom, I hadn't seen her or my father in a long time, but she wrote me occasionally, or maybe a letter from a fan of my new book... not that that would ever happen. Since I got it published it felt like I was getting the silent treatment, that made me feel slightly uncomfortable. At this point I found myself hoping for any kind of response, even hate. But I had pretty much given up on that at this point. I had been planning to make this an entire trilogy... but it was beginning to feel pointless because it seemed that no one was reading it. And after being mocked and turned down by so many publishers, I finally decided to self publish. But I was beginning to think they were all right about both me and my book.

I flipped through the stack, and there at the bottom of the stack was an envelope addressed to me. I was sure that it was from my mom, even though it wasn't addressed in her handwriting. She probably got one of her secretaries to do it for her, she did that sometimes, and I know that she probably didn't realize it but it made me feel like she didn't have time for me. I sighed deeply. At least she did send me something. I went inside and placed my uncle's mail on the counter, then I went to my room and sat down on my bed.

I tore the envelope open carefully, and began reading the letter in a whisper. "'Dear Ben Solo...'" I laughed softly, I wonder if my mom's secretary realized that this is a letter to her son, not a business letter. I try to ignore the formal address, and continue. "'I just finished reading your book The Starlight Chronicles: The Phantom,'... wait... this is a letter from someone who read my book?" I wonder what they thought of it, they probably hated it. I continued reading unable to wait a moment longer. "'I absolutely loved it, it is without a doubt my favorite book.'"

Wait, they actually liked it? It was their favorite book? I didn't really feel worthy of those complements, but I continued reading. "'Are you planning on writing more books, because I'm certainly waiting for more. I would love a sequel to The Phantom!'" How am I supposed to reply to that? I'm planning more books, but I've given up on it. I read on. "'Anakin is my favorite fictional character and I'm really excited to see how will be when he grows up. And I know that he loves Padme, and I think that she loves him too deep down.'" I smirk at that.

"'I'm sorry if I disturbed you,' no... no you didn't disturb me." What am I doing? Why am I replying out loud to this letter? I shake my head then continue. "'I know you probably receive a lot of letters from fans, and I know you're probably too busy to reply... but I would be very happy if you do.' Of course I will," I can't stop myself from answering out loud for some reason, I hope Uncle Luke doesn't hear me doing that. I continue reading and smile warmly as I read the last few lines. "'Sincerely, your number one fan, Rey.'"

I hurry over to my desk, with the letter, eager to write a reply. I take out a sheet of paper and think my reply through carefully, before I began to write.