Ev
I looked at the envelope. I didn’t know why I was so scared to open it and read what was inside, but I was. I took a deep breath and ripped the top of the envelope. Ness’ handwriting was very neat and precise. This made me smile. I put the paper to my nose. I could smell the scent of Ness on the paper. The warmth I felt in her home immediately popped into my head. The yellow kitchen, the dinners, the talks, the friendship that she gave seemed to be in the room with me and I couldn’t ever forget the support she gave my son when I was taken. It was comforting. I felt a tear slide down my cheek. We hadn’t known each other long but the bond was there. It had survived death. I looked at the letter and began to read.
My dearest Ev,
You and Donnie were sent to Donnie and I from the good Lord, I am sure of it. When I met you I felt the goodness coming from you like a perfume. Donnie loves you. Please believe that. He has cried on my shoulder many times scared that he has lost you. The man who took you, was an evil and vile man, but maybe, just maybe, it repaired the fracture between you and Donnie. Sometimes, a horrible experience can lead to wonderful things down the road. Like Dug. I have never resented being his mother. There are moments were I see Bernie in him. Sometimes, it’s like she is still here.
Now, I must tell you that if you are reading this I am deceased. I hope that Dug has been with you and Donnie. The papers have been drawn up at my lawyer’s office, as I am sure you now know by now. Thank you in advance for loving Dug. Rest assured, he will love you and expect nothing in return.
As you know, Dug’s father was one of the men who raped my sister. I have kept ‘tabs’ on that family for years. Please, know this family is very dangerous. I never, ever want them to know about Dug. If something happens and they find out about him and his gift, they will want him. They will not put his gift to good use and I am quite sure, they would be very cruel to him. The cruelty they are capable of would break Dug. You must protect him at all cost. You must protect Dug, Donnie and yourself from the evil of this family if it comes to pass. It may never happen. Hopefully, it never will, but they are very rich and powerful. They have done many horrible things to good people.
I am sure you are wondering where I amassed my fortune. My father left me some money and I invested well. He didn’t raise a fool and I knew that one day I would have to leave this world and someone I trusted would have to provide for Dug. Dug is a special soul and Donnie and you are very good people, with big hearts. I know that you will love him and treat him right.
Ev, whatever happened to you while you were gone, you must use it to make you stronger and you must overcome the damage mental and physical. I know you can do it. You are much stronger than you believe. Please do right by yourself. Use this horrible experience to help others. I am sure you are not alone in your experience. Please, get the help you need. You have two sons now and they both need you.
I thank you for your friendship. Even though we didn’t know each other long, the bond was strong from the moment we met. The bond will transcend my death. You gave me hope for the human race and you made Dug believe he could have friends and a brother, in Donnie. I will always be grateful. I wish you love, happiness and success in all you do.
Remember, there are still good people out there.
Love, your friend,
Ness
I sat and cried after I read her letter. Time does not matter when it comes to friendship. You can know someone for years and not really know them. You can also know someone a short time and somehow know the very core of who they are and even with their faults, you find transcending beauty.