After Gil had left for work, Sara picked up the letter that Nick had written. As she read the letter, she started crying all over again. Nick had always been so good to her. He, like Greg, had welcomed her into the family. No animosity, just an instant warmth and caring. She felt terrible for how she had hurt him.
As she read that he the part about being molested, she regretted not opening up to him. Nick had never given her any reason not to trust him. Sara wished she could have been there to stop it. But, she was just as defenseless in her own childhood. Nick had been through so much in his life, just like she had. She could now better understand why Nick tried to be protective of her. He had probably realized Sara was trying to keep something hidden too.
She got up and walked over to her computer. As the computer came on, she thought of what she was going to say. She emailed Nick.
Nick
I just finished reading your letter. You are an amazing person yourself. From the time that I arrived, you accepted my presence. That meant a lot to me. To be unconditionally accepted as is.
I am so sorry that you had to go through that as a child. Now, I realize how deep of a connection we share. You know my story now. So, I hope you understand why I had to leave. I have made a lot of progress dealing with my past. You have helped in ways that I can't put into words. When I think of you, I will always remember your unconditional love and respect.
Thank you for all that you have ever done for me. I am really glad that we have gotten to know each other. Anytime you want to talk, I will always be available to listen.
Sara
She hit send when she was done. She was reading a few other emails and checking out some of her favorite websites when her computer announced that she had mail. She saw Nick had emailed her back.
Sara,
I just got your email. Your sweet words mean a lot to me too. I always felt like there was something that you didn't want to share. I could see there was something that made me want to protect you. I knew you are capable of taking care of yourself, but there was always something that made me want to wrap my arms around you and keep you safe. Don't read anything into this. You are a great person. If something were to happen to you, the world would lose a very special person. I know that I would lose a dear friend.
Nick
Sara picked up Warrick's letter next because of what Nick had mentioned. What she read really brought home what Nick had said about how much she meant to him. She picked up her cell phone and called Warrick. Warrick answered the phone immediately, somewhat surprising Sara. "Sara, are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm alright. Can't I call my friend? You are still my friend, aren't you? I know you are at work, but …but…"
Warrick interrupted, " Of course, it's okay. And to answer the other question, you are still my friend."
"Warrick, can we get together sometime for lunch, perhaps? I read your letter and I think we should talk."
"I think that would be nice. What about tomorrow?"
"Okay."
Finally, she picked up Greg's letter. She had been putting it off. She knew she had hurt Greg with her leaving the way she did. He had not done anything to deserve that treatment and she only hoped that he could find it in his heart to forgive her.
She could feel his sadness with the words that he had written. Greg, like Nick, had always accepted her. She picked up her phone and dialed Greg. His phone went to voice mail. "Greg, it's Sara. I just wanted to see when you wanted to get together so we could talk. Greg, I am sorry..."
