Dear Seeing-eye Dog,
I would like you to meet my son Nicolai Augustus. And before you ask, yes, he is Auggie's son. We got carried away during my "escape" from the FBI and did not think of the consequences.
I am not saying that I did not want my son, when I found out I was pregnant I was overjoyed. However staying in the shadows and providing medical care for an unborn child is very difficult. It is even more difficult to find a hospital that will deliver the baby of the FBI's most wanted without turning in the mother.
I returned to Washington D.C. after Nicolai was born. I thought it only fair that Nicolai know his father, after mine was a prisoner for most of my life.
Two things I am sure you have noticed are that I left Nicolai's last name blank on both this letter and his birth certificate, that and I left Nicolai on your doorstep.
I have found out that I have tuberculosis and it's too late for any treatment, thankfully I have found someone who has agreed to make my last days comfortable and give you my baby.
The reason he doesn't have a last name is because I was not sure what to put. How would I explain the name Anderson when he started school? And Petrovna would just cause trouble. Now knowing that I am ill I am glad I left it blank.
If you would give him your name and take him in I would be eternally grateful. I have no other family and while we both know how strong Auggie is, I just don't see him taking this very well right off.
I have included a letter for Nicolai which you may choose to give him at any time you think he is ready or never at all. I know I cannot make demands of you now, and if you choose to raise him as your own and never tell him about me that is alright I understand.
There is also a letter to give Auggie if you choose to tell him about his son.
My friend is about to leave to bring you the baby and I only have a few hours left so I will make three final requests of you and I hope you will grant them.
First, don't change Nicolai's name, he is named after my father and his. Second, please let Auggie be a part of his life, even if it is just as a friend, please don't keep his from his father completely. And third, Annie, (I remember your name I just could not resist the joke at the beginning, I have always had a lousy sense of timing to show my sense of humor), this is the one thing above all else I wish for you to do; love Nicolai as if he were your own son.
I know you will raise him to be an excellent person, and I thank you for doing this from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Natasha Petrovna
