Letter from Drifter to Elizabeth Dawkins

Hi Beth,

If you're reading this then I can finally have the chance to tell you how much you mean to me. I'm sorry it could only be done this way, but I know you understand.

I have had a wonderful, successfully life thanks to you and your family. You showed me love and care and all the things a family should be. I wouldn't be the man I...well, I guess was, without that foundation to build on. I was all kinds of messed up and I was going down the wrong path.

Do you remember that time when I was about to get into a fight with Tom because he'd thrown a rock at me? It was when we were all down by the creek. He had his cronies with him and I no doubt would have dragged myself to mom all bloody again, but you showed up and stood up to him. He was too afraid of his family to hurt 'a girl' so he backed off and you patched me up so mom didn't need to find out about it.

Or the time when I was practicing my back flips in the woods where I wouldn't have to hide what I could do from anyone and you followed me there and spotted me as I fell time and again?

Most, no, scratch that [pun intended], all of my best childhood memories have been about hanging out with you.

Mom is gone now, and I didn't really ever get to tell her how much of a difference she made to me...how much I loved her. I guess I'll be telling her now. So that just leaves you, Beth.

I have loved you from the beginning. I am so glad you have found a life with Ed. He's a great guy. I still wish I could have had you in my life as my wife. I won't say I'm jealous. I know why I didn't tell you, and I'm so glad I didn't because you've had a wonderful life, and so have I. Do you believe in karma Beth? I like to. I sure hope we get a better opportunity in the next life to be together.

Always yours, Billy