*I caught that scent again.It lingers on them, like a ghost.Like me.Did they find my mark when I wasn’t looking? There is soot on their fingertips.I cannot yet tell if they got my message; that fact is eating at me. I have this piece of them, but it isn’t enough. It will never be enough.None of this will be enough until they are in my arms again.What do you know, Rease?I cannot help you if I do not know either.*
*Rease, sweetheart.I know that you will not see this, but I will write directly to you.Your eyes are as pure as they were when you first took my hand.You saw me – I know you did. I saw you too.You are getting closer. You can do this, I know you can. You need to be brave.You can master Terrose. Do not let them own you, but do not ignore their warnings. It has taken time, but I have learnt to co-exist with my own – We call them Dale. A simple name, it holds little meaning.You were always much better at names than I.That is why I let you choose my second name.I will see you again. The barrier between us is weaker where you are going. Keep going South. Listen to Terrose’s warnings, but do not stray from your path.*
*I have forgotten the taste of your lips on mine.Sitting across from you today, breathing in the scent I no longer recognise. Hearing the sound of a voice I have longed to have directed at me.You make me feel alive, Rease.And still, each time you look at me, it kills me.I should not have told you to keep travelling south. Whether or not you are reading my notes, I believe this to be my fault. I should have known better.Your skin is etched with salt and ruin. I could taste it as I kissed your brow when you slept. You are hurting. You are changing. You deserve none of this.The antlers though… everything aside, they’re cute on you.You… may not be so excited for your feet, though.Dale is insisting I tell you that having five toes per foot is not the end of the world, but he has no feet, so I will silence him. He has no right to comment on the matter.Please, be gentle.Terrose is okay.Soon, we’ll be together.Soon, I’ll convince you to let me wind little lights around them.We’ll make them ours.*