Forgive Me

My dearest Laura

I'm leaving this letter with Rachel to give to you after I'm gone

I'm far away now

In a quiet, beautiful place

Please forgive me for not saying goodbye before I left

Be well, Laura

Don't be too hard on the sisters

And Laura, about James...

I know you hate him because you think he isn't nice to you

But please give him a chance

It's true he may be a little surly sometimes and he doesn't laugh much

But underneath, he's really a sweet person

Laura, I love you like my very own daughter

If things had worked out differently, I was hoping to adopt you

Happy 8th birthday, Laura

Your friend forever