Dear all,

I am hereby extending to you an invitation for my final farewell party. As it turns out, the global environmental crisis, the political climate and the perspective of a Third World War have tipped the scales enough for me to want to retreat from society in an indefinite manner.

That’s it! I have had enough! I am renouncing my name, address, citizenship, and plan to go live as a feral recluse, half- man and half-animal, in the few pockets of untouched nature than may exist on this fucked up planet.

I have no interest for anything but surviving to the best of my meagre abilities and forget about taxes, presidents, bus tickets and politeness. This is not only a decision that will critically improve my mental health, but also yours, as I am aware that the past few months and years have not been easy on all of you because of my deep -rooted issues.

In these dark, uncertain times, you have all been beacons of joy and hope - and I would love the pleasure of raising my glass in your honour one last time. I want to depart society with a bang, and feel the pale warmth of humanity one last time before giving myself over to my inner beast.

The party will be held at my apartment in Manhattan, at the corner of Park Avenue and 69th Street, on Halloween night. I want to appeal to your most basic instincts and celebrate, honour and desecrate the life I have lived so far. THE PLACE MUST BE DESTROYED. It is a mandatory step in my transition, and one that I would love all of you to take with me. Bring any painting, markers, food, hammers, tools that you can think of to tear apart the prison that has been constricting me all these years.

Although destructive in nature, do not think that this event is not primarily aimed at reminiscing about our many memories. Do come as you are, as we have know each other, and let me salute the life we have shared - bring objects that are tied to a memory of us, and let us build a shrine to the wonders of human connection, a temporary altar for both you and me and a way to say goodbye with a proper setting.

I care for you all, and had I been a stronger man we would not have to part. But I am not that strong, and the only way for me to keep sane is to do what most people will consider a madness, or a folly - but deep down I know that all of you will eventually realise that this is my only way to not turn crazy.

Feel free to record anything you like, bring anything or anyone you like, and do anything you want as long as you do not hurt each other for the kick of it - I am sick and tired of the hurt humankind is constantly putting each other through, and I would like to avoid making any sort of contribution to that.

As odd as that letter may seem, I mostly want to add that I love you deeply, even if I was never able to tell you in those words, and that I would love to count on you for this final send-off before I am finally free.

Yours,

L