Make the first sentence usable
Lead with the reason for writing so the recipient does not have to decode a long emotional introduction. For a message about how to follow up with a dormant client, use this factual base: name the product, proposal, meeting, commercial question, and last agreed next step.
Reduce the work of responding
Offer simple options, a narrow question, or a clear update that can be understood without another conversation. Add one relevant update and ask whether to proceed, defer, change scope, or close the opportunity. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Respect the boundary already visible
Do not hide an unsubscribe request, invent scarcity, or escalate around the named decision maker. Follow privacy, consent, procurement, and recordkeeping rules for commercial communication. A block, explicit refusal, legal restriction, or safety plan takes priority over the desire to explain more.