CHAPTER FORTY NINE:
11 May 1987
Dearest Dana,
We do not expect you to reply to this letter as much as we do not expect you to come back here to Wales. We know you're at peace there in America and we're very happy for you. If we had it our way, we would love to be more involved in your life and the life of your new family … but if you find that it bothers you or hurts you in anyway, we are more than willing to step back and let you move forward without us. We will be fine here in Wales. That being said, we're just across the pond, and if you need us for anything at all, feel free to contact us. We will be here for you if ever that time does come.
Maybe you're right – this was never your home from the beginning. Maybe home is there in Los Angeles where you are finding your own way through life. Maybe it was right to leave Wales, even if I tried to stop you before. Maybe this was how it was meant to end. I have felt it in me, Dana: the restlessness of your spirit. You stayed behind despite what Daddy did because you wanted to somehow protect us, because you were so afraid that he would turn on the three of us if you left … but look where it got you, Dana. I don't know how to say this and I wish I said this when you were here a few months ago, but thank you for your sacrifice. I hope it worked the other way around but you were like Mum. You both would give up your lives rather than watch others suffer around you.
So, my little chwaer, dance your life away. Dance like there is no yesterday. Maybe there is really no yesterday for you. Maybe that is what you need for you to find your peace.
Give my love to your son, William. And your future husband, do be kind to him. He is a good man and we saw how much he loves you. He loves you the same way you love Mum: unforgiving, unconditional, and endless. I can see that he will be yours forever.
Live your life, Dana. Until we meet again.
Yours,
Melissa
END OF CHAPTER FORTY NINE