The Echo of Old Books

by Barbara Davis

How does one write such a letter? Knowing the pain it will cause. To end things so bluntly, after so much planning, seems unthinkable even to me. You’ll think me hard and selfish. Perhaps it’s true. Yes, I’m certain it is. But we would never have been happy, you and I. Not in the end. I care for you—will always care for you in my way—but it never would have worked. We’re not matched in the things that really matter, which is why I must now end what should never have begun. If you look at it squarely, as I have, you’ll see that it’s for the best. In fact, one day I believe you’ll be glad I came to my senses. I’m to blame, of course, for letting it go on as long as it did, for letting it happen at all, I suppose. And this is hardly a brave way to end things, a few words scribbled on a scrap of paper. But when your pride has recovered from the sting of this note, you’ll realize I’ve spared us both. The truth is I’ve promised myself to another and despite my misgivings, I’m not strong enough to break that promise. I’m going away, will already be gone when you read this, too much of a coward to face the mess I’ve created. Please don’t try to contact me. My mind is made up. I beg you to forgive my selfish and fickle heart. —Marian

oh fucking no!!!!!!! so I was right and I was wrong. SHE SWITCHED UP THE LETTERS!!! THIS IS THE LETTER SHE MEANT TO SEND TO TEDDY!!! AND SOMEHOW HEMI GOT IT INSTEAD?!?!?!?! FUCKING HELL!!!!!