The Best Thing

by Mariana Zapata

I love you all, and I want you to remember now that I’m not around, to never forget what’s important. You’re each important. You’re each loved. And if you love something or someone, you don’t ever give up on it. Life’s not easy but hold on to the things that matter, even if you have to use some fingernails. I told one of you once that you don’t throw away the things that matter. Hold on for me. Fight for me, or like I’m behind you telling you that you better not quit,” Jonah read.

you gave me a reason to live. And I’m going to haunt you both for the rest of your lives. That creaking noise you hear in the attic? It’s me. The shadow you see out of the corner of your eye? That’s me too. I love you both. You know that. You know what you mean to me. I love you all. I’m never far away.

Do what you have to do to be happy, okay? No one else is going to do it for you.”

I love you so much, old man. Every good thing in my life has been because of you. Thank you for being the best grandpa/grandma/uncle/brother/best friend/soul mate/enemy I could ever ask for,

No vampire has ever been loved as much as you, Grandpa Gus. Tell my dad I said hi.