A Massachusetts girl who sent a message in a bottle while on a cruise to Bermuda learnt that her message was found — less than 20 miles from her home.

Eight-year-old Meagan Bildeau was convinced by her father to write the note and throw it overboard near the Island, expecting the bottle to ride the gulf stream to Europe, but instead it returned to it's sender.

The letter was found by 11-year-old Teddy Herrick on July 28 while boating between Martha's Vineyard and Cuttyhunk Island, 15 to 20 miles from Meagan's home in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Along with having Meagan's name and home address, the letter asked: "If found, would you kindly write back to me? Please? Please? Please?"

Teddy, who lives in Telluride, Colorado, was excited to find it. She said that she had just read a book in which two characters became pen pals after one discovered the other's message in a bottle.

Last month, Teddy wrote Meagan, telling her where the note was found.

"I thought that it followed me home," said Meagan.

Meagan and Teddy both say they are looking forward to writing to each other more in the future.