Before his departure Carter leaves a letter behind for Abby.
I own nothing (sadly)
Dear Abby:
Last time I wrote you a letter and we stopped corresponding for quite some time. When we did begin a new sort of relationship it was tense and awkward. Now, I leave you as my friend and my equal.
Over the past five years we've hit roadblocks and bumps. I wouldn't take back anything except for the hurt I caused you.
When your mother was the way she was I felt glad to help out. My relationship with Raina was deteriorating and in truth I was happier with you. A greater, more powerful level of maturity existed with you.
We grew close, our friendship flourished and we had fun together.
Luka was the only one standing in your way, but I'm beyond that so I'll leave it alone simply by saying I thank him for unknowingly gifting me with your attention.
Mark passed away then... I had a void to fill and a responsibility to take care of all that he left behind.
After the lockdown we began to embark on a new relationship, a surprising, tumultuous one.
Then Eric and Maggie stirred up our new world.
You retreated back inside, back in that place that I'd only ever been permitted to enter once or twice.
I remember promising you I wasn't going to go anywhere...
I'm so sorry for hurting you like I did. I was hurting too though.
And God was I so freaking mixed up. When my gamma passed away I felt so guilty and so sad. I had to get away and I knew Luka needed my help. I left you. And I ran.
That time changed me.
I can't tell you what I saw either time I was there.
Yet again I knew I'd harmed your heart when I turned my back.
Kem came along and I got swept back in to a tornado of emotion and events. She told me she was pregnant and I was blown away. You entered my mind, Abby.
We came back and I was so apprehensive about seeing you again. I don't think we ever really talked about it...
Imagine my surprise and admiration that you had picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and, without anyone's help, ran after your dreams. You captured your own happiness and harnessed it.
I want to thank you for giving me some of the happiest times of my life. I want to thank you for being there for me when Kem wasn't. I want to thank you for being who you are, no matter how much you frustrate me sometimes.
I'm taking the first step in to an unknown era. I want you to know how much I love you and that you will always have a place in my memories and in my heart.
Kem and I might get married and I would love for you to be there. And if you can't I fully understand. But Abby, I do love you and I always always will.
Love Always and Forever,
Carter
P.S.- I'll be back, but until then you have my cell phone number and I have your numbers. If you ever need me you know to call... Good Luck, Abby.
END