"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Just over a year has past since you left us, back inside that hotel room in Vancouver.
I still remember that night. My family just got back from watching the fireworks at Boucharts. Mom, dad and I were watching tv when my sister came running up the stairs to share the news.
It’s safe to say that I miss you.
I never knew you personally nor did I ever meet you; but for some reason you have a special place in my heart. Or, in my family’s hearts. You grew up in the same city that I’m still growing in. In school last fall we had to write a report on someone we look up to, or, someone who made a difference in this world. I chose you. I wrote a biography from the start- when things were not easy for you, then, your best years, I wrote all the way until the end. The very end. What I and many others want to know is why? why did you have to go? Of course there’s that old saying “Everything happens for a reason” so, what was the reason? What reason did you have to do those drugs even when you were trying to get help? What reason did you have to leave us; to leave your fans? To leave everyone in your personal lives? People tell me that you got addicted to the drugs and it just kept getting worse. Maybe they’re right. Maybe, you were addicted. Maybe, I’m addicted to thinking about how this wasn’t supposed to happen.
I have been watching old Glee episodes lately with my mom ( she gets emotional when you come on) and sister and, the way you would laugh and sing made me think you weren’t really gone. Or that maybe you needed some time off but you were safe and you were coming back to the show next season. So, after the episode would end and I would look at them and hear my sister say “Mom’s crying” and then hear my mom laugh and try to convince us that she’s not would make me remember. You’re gone and there’s nothing anyone can do to bring you back.
I guess really in the end you probably didn’t think about the consequences or the fact that every time you took those drugs you were risking your life. But maybe you did; maybe wherever you are you’re sorry.
I’m happy that I’ve written this now, and I hope you know that every day we miss your smiling face and clear eyes. I’ll always be remembered as the guy who made me laugh even if I was crying just seconds before. And we’ll forever love you.