Dearest Eponine

Dearest Eponine,

Many months have come and gone since your death, and still I keep hoping I will see you running down the street to me with that confident grin lighting up your face. I cannot believe you are gone from my life. Every day I miss the sound of your laughter. I only wish that I had been a better friend to you, that I had shown you just how much I appreciated your unwavering friendship. I realize now that you wanted me to love you. I did love you, Ponine, just not in the way you wanted me to. I am sorry for that.

Cosette and I are happy together. We were married a few weeks after you departed from this world. Every day, we thank God for you, because you were the one who showed me where Cosette lived. You are the reason for our happiness, and I thank you for that. Cosette is with child. If it is a son, we will name him Jean, after my dearly departed father-in-law. If it is a daughter, we are planning to name her Eponine-Fantine, after you and Cosette's mother.

I visit your grave every day, rain or shine, and put flowers on your resting place. Sometimes Cosette comes with me. We both miss you dearly.

Sometimes I wish that you had not pulled the gun away. I wish I had received the bullet instead of you. I think I blame myself for your death. If only I had not been so foolish as to put myself in that danger. If only I had taken better care of you.

I miss you every day, Ponine. I will never forget you. However, I will always remember those wise words you uttered to me with your final breath: Rain will make the flowers grow.

Lovingly yours,

Marius