Caroline got home. The place seemed slightly more empty than usual – everything seemed to have moved. There was a litter of paper everywhere over the sitting room. She called Guy's name, one, two times. She bent down to pick up a piece of paper and raised her hand to her mouth as she read it. She picked up the next, and the next, reading on each slight variations on the first one that she had read. She held them all in her hands, and began looking about her frantically, noticing the emptiness was the lack of Guy and his belongings. He had gone. She spotted a letter, addressed to her, propped up on the table. She walked hurriedly over to it, dropping the pieces of paper as she went. She picked up the note, and then sat down, holding it in her hands for a moment. She paused, turned it round, stroking it with her thumbs for a second, and then opened it. She turned it round, and read it.
Dear Caroline,
I know, I've screwed up. I've tried writing this thing a hundred times, but it never says what I want it to. I'm just going to say it all.
I'm sorry that I said that thing to you. I shouldn't have had. I don't want to mess things up for you. I don't want to complicate things. I think I can understand what is going on. If you love Mac, then that is great. More than great. I'm really happy for you. And I genuinely mean it. Just give me your address when you marry him and have kids, so I can send some hair dye!
What I mean to say is that although I am really happy for you, I don't want to be there to interfere any more. I don't want to mess things up for you. It's partly because I can't watch it, because I might do something I regret, but I'm really happy for you (this must sound so sarcastic).
I think I understand what Mac was going on about when he was trying to make things work for Mackensie's sake. We should appreciate those near to us while we still have the time. I've decided to take a leaf out of his book, and I am currently sitting on a train, as you are reading this. I'm going to find my father. I will send you a letter when I get there.
I really do love you though.
Guy
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