Chapter 3

:-:-:-:-:-:

My dear Kimberly. You were always my favorite, the daughter I could never have, and now you are gone.

And I blame myself for that.

I still remember the day the five of you were brought into my life. From the moment I saw you, you reminded me of those I left behind so many years ago. Looking back it was prophetic, for you truly were like my sister in more ways that I could have imagined then.

You brought laughter to us. And truth be told, I had been waiting for you to come back to my life after that brief period when you were lost in time. You gave me hope for a future that I was honestly starting to have doubt in. You brought hope, joy, friendship, but most of all you brought happiness to a place, and two people who were desperately in need of it.

For that I shall be forever thankful.

And then you left, off to spread your wings like the crane you were. You weren't the first to leave, nor the last with Billy still here. But your parting hurt more than anyone else's will. And now you were the first to leave for good.

And I can't help blaming myself.

After you left, they were out of sync, especially Tommy. With part of his mind on you, he wasn't safe. So I contacted you and explained what was happening. You had always been able to reach him when none of us could, I was sure you would be able to remind him that he needed to be here, and that you were fine. He wouldn't listen to us, but he always listened to you.

I never suspected in all honesty. I noticed Tommy was more focused in battles, and sensed that he was in pain. But I truly thought he was only missing you. And after some time he became more like his normal self. It wasn't until his and Katherine's relationship changed that I finally learned of the letter and the breakup.

That was quite a surprise for both Alpha and myself. And we both wondered why no one had mentioned it. At the same time I did wonder about why you had done it, I did not miss the amount of time that had passed between my contacting you and the letter Tommy received. But, at the time I took you at your word, and thought that you might have indeed found someone else.

Of course, now we know it wasn't true, at least Alpha and I. We did some checking and learned of your mental illness. I should have seen it sooner, I saw you nearly every day for two years. I'm so sorry for missing it. And looking back I know that is partially the reason for the choices you made. I only hope that one day I will have earned your forgiveness. For I shall never forgive myself.

The funeral is in three days, and everyone is back. Your family thought you would have preferred to spend eternity here, in the place you loved. The other rangers are dealing as well as they can. Your mother hasn't revealed your illness to them, and I suspect she never will. It isn't something people like to talk about, especially after one is gone. I too intend to never tell them, rather to let them remember you as you were here than know what you were like at the end. I only hope they don't research into this on their own.

Jason, Zach, Trini, and Billy are having the hardest time, especially Billy. He refuses to believe that your death was your choice. Although Rocky, Adam, and Aisha are not much better than the four of them. Katherine is mostly in shock, but Tommy is the one I worry about. He blames you for the choice you made. So much so that it could destroy him. But in time the pain will lessen, as will his anger I hope, and they will remember you as you were.

I envy them that. For the pain will never lessen for me, and I shall never forget or forgive myself.

So this is farewell my crane. You are free now, free to fly as you always dreamed. Until we meet on the other side dearest Kimberly.