I'll Be Seeing You

Author's Note

I have hundreds of stories swirling around in my head, all waiting to be brought to life. But this one... this one was different. The idea came to me randomly one day, and just like that, I started writing. No notes, no rough draft—just pure instinct. I made it up as I went, letting the words guide me.

Though this story is fictional, in many ways, it's so much more. It's personal. Alyssa, Mark, Chris, Kasey—they're characters I created, but they were born from somewhere deep inside me. They were inspired by people who've touched my life—some for the better, some for the worse.

But the one who holds the most meaning is Mark. If you know me personally, you already know why. As I breathed life into Mark's character, I didn't realize how close to home he truly was. It wasn't until I began proofreading and editing that it finally hit me. I had been writing about my own prince charming all along. My knight in shining armor. My husband, Justin.

Just like Mark, he came into my life when I least expected it. What started as a simple friendship turned into something far more. He saved me—from my past, from my pain, sometimes even from myself. He gave me hope again. He brought back my light and reminded me that life is worth living.

So, while this story may be fiction... the emotions behind it are very, very real.

Which brings me back to the story. If you've made it this far, it means you finished my book—and before I go any further, thank you. Truly. It also means you've experienced a whirlwind of drama, emotions, and pure chaos. You may have even found yourself thinking, "Whose life is this chaotic?" And honestly, I wouldn't blame you.

But the truth is... I know there's at least one person—if not many—who will read this book and wonder if I was writing their story. They'll resonate with so much of it that they'll start to question if I somehow crawled inside their mind, picked apart their thoughts, uncovered their deepest secrets, and dug up memories they thought they'd buried long ago. Because for some of us... life is that chaotic.

I've dreamed of being an author since middle school. I was the girl who went above and beyond on every essay and writing assignment. I'll never forget the day my eighth-grade English teacher finished reading my short story—one that was only supposed to be two pages long, but somehow turned into fifteen. She smiled at me and said, "Remember me when you're a best-selling author."

I knew then that I'd bring my stories to life one day. Even if it was just for friends and family... through social media... or posted on some small writing platform—I didn't care. If just one person read something I'd written and actually enjoyed it? That would be more than enough.

Back then, I had a thing for the paranormal. I loved writing ghost stories. I was drawn to anything creepy and mysterious. A lot of my ideas came from nightmares—but I found a way to turn them into something creative. I'd scribble stories in journals, jot them down in the back of my school binder, or use them for assignments in my eighth-grade English class.

But as I got older, I wanted to write for a purpose. I wanted to create something that readers could relate to—something they could be drawn to, connect with. A story that let others know they weren't alone. That there is light at the end of the tunnel. That no matter how hard life gets, it can and will get better... if you let it.

And one day, while all these ideas were still floating around in my head, I'll Be Seeing You was born. It's not just a romance. That was never the intention. It runs much deeper than that. It's a story of pain, of struggle. Of loss, abuse, grief, trauma—all the things meant to, and capable of, breaking us. But it's also a story of strength. Of survival. Of knowing that your life is worth living. Of realizing that you are bigger and greater than the demons of your past.

It is my deepest hope that someone who is struggling—much like Alyssa was when you first met her—picks up this book with an open heart and an open mind. That by the time they turn that last page, they realize they're not alone. That even on their darkest days, there's hope. That brighter days are coming. That their life, no matter how heavy or broken it may feel, can get better. If they believe in themselves. If they're willing to let it happen.

If you've made it this far—and you're still reading this—I'm proud of you. For all the obstacles life has thrown your way. For the trauma and the weight you carry on your shoulders. For waking up today and letting the world feel your presence—even when it feels impossible.

You're doing it.
You're going to be okay.
And you are never, ever alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Let someone take your hand and guide you. Your life matters. You matter.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides free and confidential support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It's available 24/7/365 through calls, texts, and online chats. You can connect by dialing 988.

SAMHSA's National Helpline: Offers free and confidential treatment referrals and information about mental and substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides 24/7 confidential support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. You can call them at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE), text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat online at thehotline.org.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Offers confidential assistance 24/7 in over 170 languages. Call or text 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) for crisis intervention, information, and referrals related to child abuse.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: A service of RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a local sexual assault service provider or access their online chat service.

Crisis Text Line: If you're dealing with sexual abuse, text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor for free and confidential support.

StrongHearts Native Helpline: A confidential and culturally-appropriate helpline for Native Americans experiencing domestic violence and dating violence. Call or text 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483).

Until next time... I'll be seeing you, 

Natasha.