Chapter 1
The Letter

To Whom It May Concern:

I've never written a letter like this before so I'm not really sure how to do it; I mean, I never expected that I would have to write a letter like this in the first place. I'm probably a little out of practice. Of course, that's probably a good thing because I don't think anyone expects to have to write this kind of letter. Just as I don't think anyone expects to be told by their doctors that they're not going to live to see their twentieth birthday. And, really, they shouldn't have to. It's just unfortunate coincidence that I do.

But I don't expect you to have any sympathy for me on that score. Or maybe I do. At least, I'm hoping you will, because, the reality is that I'm writing this letter to ask you a favor. A final request, so to speak. You'll probably think I'm crazy, some American girl who doesn't speak a word of Korean asking this, but I figure I've got nothing left to lose and if there's one thing I want it's to be able to die without any regrets. So here it goes:

Ever since the first time my friend Gracie (she is Korean, by the way) first showed me a Jang Jae Woo music video I knew that if there was one great dream I had in this life, it was to one day dance with him. I couldn't take my eyes off him. His music made me want to move my body the way his moved. I was an instant fan and have been ever since, even through the recent controversies surrounding his personal life. I believe in him: in his character, his goodness. I am loyal to the end. My only regret is that my dream of standing up on stage with him, dancing to his beat, has never been realized.

I know it's kind of below the belt to pull the "dying girl" card on you but it's the only thing I've got going for me right now. So if you'll forgive my boldness, I hope you can consider helping make that dream come true and let my final year be a memorable one. I understand that Jang Jae Woo is very busy and that you are too so I thank you for even taking the time to read this letter and want you to know that if it doesn't happen for me, I'll understand. And I'll be okay with that, because I will at least have sent this and tried. That's enough for me to be regret free.

Sincerely,

Claire Hodges