A knock from the door woke John from his slumber and with reluctance he rose from his bed. He waved his over the console, the doors opened, revealing the new Private Roth.
"Lt Colonel." said Roth
"Roth, do you have any idea what time it is?" John scolded.
"It is seven thirty, sir and a letter has been sent for you."
"Why couldn't you wait till later? And why are you giving it to me?"
"Just following orders sir." he handed John the letter and left, "Oh Colonel, Teyla said that she is waiting for you. You are late for your lesson."
"God damn! Thank you private. That'll be all."
The private gave John a salute and left.
John closed the doors, waving his hand over the console and sat on the bed for a few moments. John took a dagger from the side drawer, slicing the envelope open.
The letter read:
24/08/13
To John Sheppard.
My name is Grace Wayfair. You probably never heard of me but I think it's time that you do. I'm your daughter.
My mother was Jane Wayfair, who sadly passed away last week. But if you remember her then you'd know she was a fighter and she did till the end.
I'm writing to you because I have no one left. My mum was an only child and both my grandparents were gone before I got to know them. Mum never married. I'm not mad at you for not being there. I made my peace and anyway I had my mum and that was enough for me.
The only thing we had of you was your air force jacket and a photo of you with mum. I'm sure this is a lot to take in and I understand if you don't anything to do with me but I would like to meet you. The details are in the envelope. If you're not there then I understand but I just hope you will.
I don't know what it is you do and even if this has reached you in time. But I hope you do decide to meet. Please don't think this is for financial reasons. All I want to do and talk to you and finally see you.
Grace Wayfair.
P.S. Before my mum passed, she kept saying something about a box.
John was in shock. He couldn't believe what he was reading. And who it was from.
Grace. His Grace, the girl with the little blonde ponytail and a cowboy hat and a fireman costume, all jumbled together. His little tomboy had sent him a letter and wanted to meet him. She would be 17, 18 by now. Would she look like Jane or like him? Or both? All these questions and thoughts were swimming through his head, adrenaline coursing through his veins, unable to stop moving. And Jane was gone. He didn't blame her for not letting him see their daughter. His job became too dangerous and being involved in the Stargate Programme it would have made things difficult due to secrecy.
I have to see her. No you don't. Yes I do. Having a mental argument with himself was not really helpful at the moment. But what could he do? What should he do?
His head resting on his hands with the letter between his fingers, exhaling deeply. And after a few long moments, John knew what to do. He got up and went towards his laptop and began typing.