Daryl's Angel: Saviour (Book Two)

Chapter 37: Dear Hope

Dear Hope,

I wasn't lying when I said that this diary of mine was something I created to keep me sharp. It started after my Teddy died, when I first came to Alexandria. One day, I hoped I would meet someone who I could pass my knowledge on to, someone who would want to learn what I had to teach, so I started writing everything down. I felt that, someday, I'd know who to give this journal to, whether I finished it or not.

I think I was meant to meet you. You're who I want to give this to. Take good care of it. There isn't another one like it in the world.

I'm glad that we met, even if it was only for a short time. I'm sorry that I won't be around to meet your little one. I hope that you'll continue my silly little legacy. Take care of my garden and keep an eye out for Tabitha, if you can. Don't feel too pressured. I know life changes fast now.

I want you to know that I didn't give up; my time had simply come. I've been tired for a long time, but it's hard to tell people that you're dying when all you are is old. Why worry these good folks who have been so kind to me in my final months? I wanted to smile and laugh with my community. I figured if they knew what I knew, then everything would be sad. That's not how I wanted to go.

So, please don't mourn for me too much. I'm blessed that I get to die of old age in a world like this. I'm grateful for the company you gave me. It comforts me to know that things will go on even once I'm gone.

It's like I said, everything will turn out the way it's meant to. I'm with my son now. I'm back with Theodore, my wife, my mama. My family has been waiting for me for a long time.

Thank you again, Hope, for your company. For humouring me and my ideas. For being a friend.

I'll see you again someday. Until then, take care of yourself. Never give up.

Elliot