"Willow?"
"Dawnie! You're out…I mean of Buffy's room. That's great! Are you hungry?"
"No, I just wanted to ask you something."
"Sure! What?"
"Have you read Buffy's letter yet?"
"Oh…well, I was going to Dawnie, but I just haven't had time."
"Yeah, it's hard for me to do it too. I'm gonna—"
Willow watched as the youngest Summers daughter ran back upstairs. Willow felt horrible for Dawn, thinking about all the things she has gone through in the past year. A voice deep inside whispered 'She doesn't have to be sad. They all don't. We can change it all, Willow." "No!"
"Honey?"
"Tara, sorry."
"It's ok…do you need something?"
"No, I was just thinking."
"You want to bring her back…don't you?"
"How come you always know what I'm thinking? Even before I do?"
"Because I love you."
"Aww. Hold me?"
"Always., Willow, always."
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Spike re-read his letter several times a night. He couldn't, no wouldn't believe she was gone. They began as enemies but then ended up somewhat friends. At least, she had thought enough of him to trust him with Dawn's life; and he respected her. Even thought that respect was love for awhile, and he still wasn't quite sure it wasn't. Drinking the last of his bottle of scotch, he closed his eyes and thought about her—what she must have looked like as she wrote them all the last words she would ever write.
Spike,
I won't make lies up between us and get mushy…it just wouldn't do between us. Somewhere in the middle of our fighting, I began to trust you. If you are reading this, then my plan to save Dawn worked—or failed as some may see it. Please don't blame yourself, I know you tried to save her. And hey, a girl only has so many 'don't die' cards, right? Ha ha.
My parting request…keep your promise. Watch over Dawn, she'll need you. And even though things are strained (at best) with the others, look after them too, ok? Whether we all asked for it, or even hoped for it or not; we are all family. I know my Mom considered you to be…Thank you, Spike.
--Buffy