October 10, 2942 T.A.
Today is the day you died.
I could hardly bear it today in the Houses of Healing, sewing up a minor wound, applying a mundane poultice, mixing an everyday cough syrup… All these people I can heal. All these people I can help.
And yet I let you die right in front of me.
I thought that I could lose myself in my work. I thought that by healing, I could redeem myself, make up for my mistakes. I thought I was getting better and learning to live again.
I can still see it all in my head. The unadulterated look of violent pleasure on Bolg's face. The words on your lips as he stabbed you. The single tear that rolled down your cheek, the expression on your face as you died, as I lay on the ground, useless.
I'm sorry, Kili. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
I should have told you I loved you.
Wish you were here,
Tauriel.