Ben's Letter

Disclaimer: Blue Heeler's doesn't belong to me; I've just borrowed them.

A/N This is a short, one shot fic.

Summary: Before Ben left for Perth, he wrote a single letter to explain why he had to leave.

Ben's Letter

Dear Tom, PJ, Jonesy, Susie, Mark, Amy, Joss, Kelly and Chris,
You guys are the greatest friends anyone could have. That's why you'll understand that I can't stay here anymore. Everything has changed. Ever since the bomb, I've felt I'm no longer the copper I used to be. It was my fault Jo was killed and nothing you say will make a difference. I'm the one who made her stay, instead of letting her go home. I think it's time for me to move on and be closer to my kids. The events during the past months have shown me that we can't take life for granted, because life is too short and we'll never know when we might be taken from our loved ones. I'll miss you all very much and will come back for visits, but for now I need a break.

Mark - I haven't worked with you for very long, but I trust you to keep everyone one in order and to look after everyone for me. You'll be the only sergeant and that'll be easier on everyone else.

Amy - You're a great detective and I hope you'll never change who you are. You and PJ make a great team and you are a great asset to Mt Thomas. I'm sure you and PJ will solve lots of crimes.

Joss - You could be a great copper, if you try your hardest and put in one hundred and ten percent. I know you have the potential, but you need to stop mucking around and focus on what you want.

Kelly - You brightened up the station from the first time you stepped in to our station. Everyone loves you and if you try hard enough, you could make it to the top. But never lose the spark you have.

Tom - Thanks for being there when I needed you the most. You accepted me in to your station all those years ago. You've taught me so much while I've been living in Mt Thomas. I'll never forget what you have shown and taught me.

Jonesy - I really hope that one day we can settle our differences and become the friends we used to be. I know I hurt you by dating Susie, but I now know what Susie likes you. I only have one piece of advice, go for it and make sure you look after her.

Chris - You've always been there when I need a shoulder to cry on. We've had so many good times together and with everyone else. I'm sure I'll never find a nicer pup owner than you. You always knew how to brighten up my day.

PJ - You've been my best mate ever since I moved here lots of years ago. We've had so many good and bad times together. I know that you will find love again. I know it seems bad, first Maggie and then Jo, but you will be able to love again. You're my best mate and that'll never change.

Susie - I liked you from the first time I saw you. I really hope we can still be friends because I would really like that. When you dumped me, I was angry that you didn't like me as much as I like you. But that change when I saw that you like Jonesy. You and Jonesy will be good together, but I hope you'll never forget the time we spent together. You will always have a special place in my heart.

I'll miss you all very much, but it's time for me to go and move on with my life. I know we can't turn back time, but if we could I would go back and fix all my mistakes and everyone could be happy again. I have so many good memories and sad ones from the old station and the new one and from my time in M Thomas. I'll never forget any of you.

Friends Forever, Ben.