Challenge #35 at jjverse. We needed to write non-romantic love letters. For example, a letter from a friend to another friend. A father to a daughter. A sister to a brother. Etc, etc. I really liked doing this, far more than I thought - though don't tell catko that, since she spent an inordinate amount of time listening to me complain about how hard it is to write Nina and Walter's POV. Catko: Yeah, they're almost Shakespearean the way they speak, aren't they? Me: I hate Shakespeare.

My Dearest Philip,

I realize all is not well between us. You have refused to see me, or take my calls, unless they are of a professional nature. Even then, your responses are brief and unemotional. I miss your warmth.

The truth about Peter's origins, as well as the part I played, have understandably upset you. I cannot deny the hurt and betrayal you must feel about my deception. My only defense, Philip, is to plead with you to remember that you and I both know the necessity of insuring certain secrets stay forever hidden. Even after seemingly all has been revealed, I am afraid there are still several truths which must remain under the cover of darkness. Not only for Peter's sake, but also for the very survival of our universe.

I regret most deeply that I cannot involve you any further in these affairs, but please believe I do so only to protect you, as well as those we hold close to us. I write this letter to you as sign of my undying affection, in the hope that one day we may return to the friendship I have come to cherish and rely upon.

Yours devoted,

Nina

Peter,

I wrote you a letter once which you never received. I burned it, judging certain secrets are best left hidden, tucked away in places where they are unable to create further damage. I realize now, my decision was in error. It matters not however, as the truth has been revealed to you in other ways.

You speak not of your experience while over there, your home. In fact, these days you seldom speak at all. That is your way, Peter. I understand. You have always been a silent child, always betraying more with your eyes than with your words.

Your eyes inform me now the depths of your pain.

In two universes you have known only one constant: that of a father who lies to you. A man intent on his own selfish motivations, rather than his son's best interests. What you must think of me in no way nears the magnitude of loathing I feel for myself. I will not pretend to imagine the amount of anguish you suffer believing your father only wants you to use you.

You deserve better, Peter. If I accomplish nothing else in my life, I must make this right.

There is another constant, my son, and it is this: There is no universe where I do not love you. Not a single one. It is simply not an option.

I beg you to please accept this constant with a certainty beyond anything you have ever experienced. No matter where you are, what you do, or how estranged our relationship, there is no one I love more than you.

Your father,

Walter