What Hannah Baker's letter said in the season 2 finale of '13 Reasons Why'

July 2024 · 4 minute read

Netflix's hit series "13 Reasons Why" has had its fair share of twists and turns. The show is well-known for tackling hard, pressing issues including sexual harassment, rape, and suicide. And while many have criticized the series for the way in which it depicts these topics, others have thanked the show's producers for being one of the first to shine an honest light on these serious conversations.

One moment that left many fans at a loss for words was at the end of the second season. In episode 13, called "Bye," Clay Jensen finally bids farewell to Hannah Baker, letting go of her. It's then that Hannah's mother hands Clay a note written by Hannah herself before she committed suicide. The note is titled "Reasons Why Not" and lists reasons Hannah should not decide to take her life.

It's an overwhelmingly emotional moment, but the note is only shown for a few seconds. Hannah's mother, Olivia, says to Clay, "11 reasons. She came up just short. She left so many out — you know that, don't you? No matter how many reasons there might be why, there are always more why not."

So what did the note say? Well if you pause the show just at the right moment, you're able to read it perfectly.

"Mom and Dad"

Hannah didn't want her parents to blame themselves. Netflix

The first reason Hannah lists is about her parents. She writes, "They will blame themselves, and it's not their fault."

"New York"

Hannah's letter showed that she wanted to go to New York City. Shutterstock/turtix

Then, Hannah thinks about her dreams of moving away and thriving in New York City.

"I could get there someday. If not college, then after college. And maybe I could start over there."

"Clay"

Hannah comments on Clay specifically. Netflix

Thirdly, Hannah thinks of Clay and how he would be impacted by her death.

"He will also think it's his fault, and it isn't. He'll think he could save me. But we can't save people, not that way at least — it's more complicated than that."

"Writing"

Hannah emphasized her passion of writing. YouTube

She then thinks of her passion of writing which we learned much about in the first season.

"I might — might — write something great one day. Get it published. Even be a writer. Seems unlikely — but possible."

"Dad"

Hannah knew her dad loved her without question. Beth Dubber/Netflix

Once again, she thinks of her father.

"Loves me without question. Always wants what's best for me. Even though I'm mad at him, it would be unfair to him to leave."

"Mom"

Hannah wasn't sure her mom could live through the trauma. Netflix

And then again of her mother.

"I don't know if she could live through it. She is always so on edge already. But maybe that's already my fault. I know she loves me — I wish she knew that I knew."

"Mom and Dad"

She knew she would be letting her parents down. Beth Dubber/Netflix

And of them once more.

"Worked so hard to give me a better life. Would be letting them down."

"Helmet"

Hannah refers to Clay as Helmet. Beth Dubber/Netflix

Here, she speaks of Clay who she calls Helmet.

"Is a genuinely good guy. And I genuinely like him. And maybe we're supposed to be together. Don't know. But maybe. If I go, we'll never find out."

"Maybe"

Hannah thought about the impact she could have on other people's lives. Netflix/Facebook

Hannah then begins thinking of all the possibilities she could accomplish with her life.

"Someday I could make a difference in someone else's life."

"Maybe"

Hannah thought about herself as a mother. Netflix

"I'll have a kid of my own one day, and maybe she could be that someone else."

"Maybe"

Hannah thinks about the fact that it could get better. Beth Dubber/Netflix

"It's not as bad I think it is. Maybe it will get better."

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