Forget me never...

Letter 29

My dear Charlie,

I am writing to you because I must confide in someone and you are one of my oldest friends. I thank you for your support when I was bereaved. You know all of my secrets. You know that I wasn't in love with my wife, but that she was mostly a good friend who was in love with me. She saved my life and lost her leg. My punishment was to remain near her until her death, even though I tried to escape it... I may not have been in love with my wife, but I tried to be a good husband. I have remained faithful, because I believe in the sacred vows of marriage. I had to imagine Candy in her place many times to be sure to endure her. I know, it is wrong, but I didn't have the choice, it was that or leave her and not come back. But I am a gentleman, and I had to take my responsibilities and do my duty. I stayed with her until the end. Her death deeply saddened me but I was also relieved. My ordeal was ended. I was free, free to go back to Candy... But no, I couldn't do that, Candy was married to my best friend. I was free but my love was married. Why did fate keep hounding me that way? Was it punishment for having cheated to be with her when Susanna needed me? We may have been wrong to see each other secretly, but we loved each other so much...

She sent me a letter of condolences that I almost didn't see, but I recognized her writing from afar. The letter was kind like all letters of condolences. She was offering me her help, but I know that it was a simple formality. She is someone else's wife, I don't have the right to cry on her shoulder, even if she offered it so generously. I sent a letter of thanks in the name of her husband, thanking them both.

I will take a little rest during my mourning time and go to England to visit my father. I need a change in my surroundings. America was not exactly the dream I had in mind. To live some time in my homeland might be good for me and change my ideas. I will see if I can continue living without Candy. I am writing from the boat. I will post this letter once I am on firm land. Thank you once again, old mate, for all your help. I hope that all is well with you in your little business endeavor. It would be time for you to marry and have a family. Now that I am free, it is my intention to make my life over, once my mourning is done... Will England be favorable to me? Only time will tell.

I am waiting for some news from you, mate.

Yours sincerly,

Terry