"Mom there's a letter for you." Christy looks up from her needlepoint project at her 15 year old son holding a stack of envelopes, who takes the one addressed to his mom off the top and hands to it her.

"Thank you Jonah." Her breath catches, her eyes increase in size at the return address, written in child-like penmanship, Fairlight Spencer. It had been seven years since she had heard from anyone in the Cove; most families having left for bigger cities and communities for simple surivial. In those moves Christy was separated and lost contacted with some of the families that held her heart closet. Plus life simply moved on. She raises the letter to her noise and takes a sniff, wishing to smell honey, apples and the other scents that reminded her of her dearest friend; but she could only smell the paper.

"Mom you're suppose to read it, not eat it." Jonah tells her with a glint of a smile in his brown eyes. Christy smiles back and slowly tears open the envelope to find a single piece of paper inside.

Dear Christy
Its been a long time sinze you have heard from me. I do miss ya every day. All of the kidz are maried now, even Lestun! I have so many grandbabies and so much luv its amazin. I hope you and David are well, and the kids too. You have 2 rite?
Sadly I am needing to share some unpleasent news perhaps you have heard already - Neil died. Last month, he was huntin in the Cove with some younger ones, and he was shot accitantally. I thought you would like to know. And I am sorry.
Pleaz write back. - Fairlight.

Christy reads the paper over and over again, each time crying harder. Jonah walk behind her and lays a hand of comfort on his mother's shoulder, as she leans into his touch.

"Oh god Neil!" She screams balling the paper up. Thinking of the last time she saw him, the fight they had. Two stubborn people butting heads. Looking back Christy knew it was his way of dealing of the pain of her leaving Cuttergap with David and starting a new chapter. Neil didn't make friends easily, she was one of the few. She thought of contacting him over the years to say hello and share of her life. To even thank him for kicking her when she needed it most. But never found the time or was never able to fully get past the harsh words he said to her.

"Jonah, sweetheart forgive people and mend bridges before it's to late."