Reborn

the/letter

PART ONE

CHAPTER ONE

Dear Elsie,

My beautiful Elsie, you have been a light in my life. These past few weeks have been magnificent. I've learned so much about you and I hope you have learned about me. I so wish that you take from my experiences a lesson for when you are in similar situations.

I know these past years have been tough on you and you have been struggling with looking forward, so let me tell you this: people live with regrets, it's a fact of life. But all that dwell on those regrets are refusing to live their lives. They perpetually look back instead of ahead, and that is not what I want for you. Look back only to reminiscence or learn from your mistakes, but never stay there. The past is set in concrete, sweetie. All one can do is live in the present and prepare for the future. Which for you, I know will be bright.

You are smart, strong, and absolutely stunning. Don't you ever let anyone try and convince you of the opposite. Steer away from them or throw them off a damn cliff if you have to. There is filth in this magnificent world, it is up to you to avoid it.

On that note, remember to choose your friends wisely. They are a great determinant of your life, and should be a source of encouragement, care, and happiness. Make sure they receive your love, too. Relationships go both ways.

Now here is the most important thing I want to you to know: thank you. Your presence has made my life an unforgettable one. I am grateful to you for your honest love. I will miss you tremendously and the happiness you've made me feel is irreplaceable. I don't recall laughing so much prior to your return, beautiful. I'm glad you've decided to come back home. Despite what you think, family is important.

Lastly, I have left a locked box with Iris. I have instructed her to give it to you after I leave. Now read carefully: I want you to do something for me, Elise. Once you've done this, you can get the key to the box. Inside is something unlike anything else on this earth, and it will be yours. I have also left my violin in your care, I know you've always dreamed of learning.

So here's what I want you to do:

Live your life, Elise.

Change what you are not content with and start walking forward, and if you can't walk then crawl, just keep moving. Slowly but surely. Work hard and achieve your goals, travel the world, do something new, find love, be forgiving, be humble, and above all, be happy.

Don't forget that I am forever by your side. I love you, beautiful.

Always and forever,

Your Grandmother

Elise held the letter at her side, her whole body shaking as she attempted to keep her emotions in check. She had promised herself she'd stop crying, but her grandmother was making it hard even in death. It had been a week after her funeral, and Elise still felt empty inside, soulless.

She knew that her grandmother was sick, she knew her time would come sooner than later. It was the sole reason she decided to come back from her "soul-searching" trip overseas. Still, knowing beforehand didn't make her absence any less difficult. And now, she was reminded of what she had lost. Eleanor was the strongest and most inspiring woman Elise had known, not only by being an amazing woman and caretaker but as a famous violinist beloved by millions all over the world as well.

Eleanor loved her admirers, but there was always one person she had loved more than anyone else, and that was Elise; a precious granddaughter whom she'd taken in after Elise's crumbling relationship with her family was at its final straw.

Iris was standing before her, the aforementioned violin and box on hand. She offered a warm and empathetic smile as she, too, had lost someone important. Elise regarded her with warmth of her own.

"Thank you, Iris." She sniffled. "I'll take it from here, I have somewhere to be actually. I'll see you next week?"

"Of course, Ms. Elise. Have a safe trip." She bowed slightly after handing over the two items.

Elise quickly made her way to the garage, praying that the media people had not crowded outside again. She carefully set the violin and box in the back seat, even felt compelled to secure them with a seat belt.

Elise stayed in her car in cold silence for longer than necessary. She wanted to scream, let out her dread and confusion, her frustration. Instead, she wiped her tears, took a deep breath, got her concealer to hide the redness, and turned the ignition. Will, the gatekeeper, nodded at her with a smile as she drove past, she couldn't return the sentiment in lieu of trying to avoid hitting anyone, the camera flashes momentarily blinding her.

Honestly, Elise was unsure as to where to go, she was lost in the city she grew up in, memories fogged behind her sorrow. Without out her grandmother, Elise had to start from zero in the ugly game called life, this time with no guide by her side.