The letter is shaking in your hand, you reach out for the tissues that Leo has placed within your reach.
Part of you is shocked.
Part of you is furious.
Part of you is overwhelmed at his sacrifice and the love he has shown.
You don't know how long you sit there staring straight ahead.
It's only after a while you realise you're staring at the picture of your baby.
'Harry found John for me,' you think. You think back to your first meetings. He can't take credit for everything, he just started the ball rolling like he said.
But you would never have chosen someone like that initially.
You had become friends before you even realised and then things just naturally took their course.
John hadn't been pushy, quite the opposite in fact.
What had happened?
Had it changed anything?
And John knew Harry! Somehow that thought makes you smile.
You sit back suddenly in the chair and the baby in your belly rebels against the sudden change of shape to its dark little world.
Your world has changed too, but actually it has changed for the better. The anger and hatred you have held onto for so long have just been released. Your world is brighter, lighter, reshaped too.
You notice the door open and Leo poke his head around. He'd obviously prepared himself for finding you upset and is obviously surprised.
"Nikki?" he says simply.
You look up; he was obviously expecting you to be a total mess. He is surprised to see something else: thankfulness, wonder and finally peace.
"He kept his promise," you reply and smile even as the tears roll down your cheeks.
"He kept his promise!" you repeat.
Well there you go. Sorry it was sad, but hey we were crying anyway. And I know this doesn't follow the supposed ATIFIL get together and split but that just seemed too cruel. Hope it gives you and them some peace. Shalom babayit-peace in this house as some dear friends used to say. And a cyber shout out to my own darling friend in NY. As always I love comments and any questions I'll be back soon.
