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You’re weren’t the only one who lost someone when Mother passed away. It was an incredibly unfair thing you did to me, Father. I would like to think that I can forgive you for it one day, but I won’t even consider it until you’re a sober, responsible, contributing member of society like you used to be.

Should that day ever come, you’re welcome to make an attempt to prove it to me. Only then will I consider letting you be part of my life again. I will always love you, but I can’t allow you to disrespect me and hold me back any longer.

Love,

Rosabelle

“I can’t imaginethat it was easy for you to write this, little lamb.”

I wish that I would have had the balls to tell my parents how I felt about them before they died.

“No, Sir.”

“Are you sure that you want to send this?”

“Yes, Sir.”

I pick up my phone and call Dex.

“Hey man, can you come to my office and grab something to put in the mail? Thanks.”

I hang up the phone and search for an envelope and a stamp. When I find them, I place everything on the desk in front of her so she can stuff and address the envelope.

“I’m really proud of you, I want you to know that. This is a huge deal and I love that you thought to do it.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“How would you like to do something special today? Just you and me?”

“Like what, Sir?”

“Whateveryouwant. I want to show you how proud I am of my little lamb.”

Again, her face lights up with excitement and I fucking love how happy she is.

“Can we go for a walk in the rose garden?”

“If that’s what you want to do, then that’s what we’ll do.”

I look at my watch, it’s 11:15.

“Give me 45 minutes and I will meet you in your room.”

“Yes, Sir. Thank you!”

* * *

“It’s so beautiful out here,”Rosabelle says, once we enter the garden.

“Have you gotten a chance to walk through it yet?”

“No, Sir.”

“I have to admit that I don’t come out here often enough.”

“Roses are my favorite flower,” she says.

I notice her lift her right hand and as she inspects it, a sad look falls across her face. I still have her ring. I haven’t had the chance to give it back to her, yet.