Michael's Letter

Michael's heartbreaking letter will shatter Fly's heart and chip off a piece of yours... find out what he wrote in the chapter.

”Wow, I had no idea. I wonder why he hasn’t come for you yet. On the bright side, your uncle is going to get what he deserves, right?” Fly was shocked. She wondered what kind of a father gets discharged from the army and doesn’t come for his son.

“Yeah, I guess. But anyway, I’m happy for you, you finally have a family.”

“Thanks, that means a lot to me, Michael. So what now? Where are you going to live? Will we still be able to be friends, I mean, what if we live hours or days away or something?!” Fly exclaimed.

“I don’t know, I’m going to see if I can track him down. It wouldn’t surprise me if Jack threatened my dad somehow. Your family usually gets a notice or something when you’re discharged.” Michael replied, although he didn’t see convinced.

“Good luck.”

“Bye, Fly, see you around.” Michael walked out the door, turned around at the last second and tossed a small package to Fly, waved and walked out. Fly was concerned about when and if she’d ever see Michael again, but she was equally curious about what was in the package. She thought maybe it was somehow embarrassing to his so he waited until he was gone, or good as gone, to give it her.

She tore it open and found inside, the urn they had found. Michael, she thought what in the world? Why couldn’t you give it me in person? She gazed at it, as if by memorizing all the designs on the box, she could erase everything. Before long, she opened it. She knew the ashes would be long gone, but what she was surprised to see was a letter.

Dear Fly,

I wasn’t able to say this to you out loud because I hate goodbyes, but I don’t think we’ll see each other again. I lied, I found more on my dad than I said, it showed his last known location is in Colorado. He used to live near my uncle… before he was in the army. I’m sorry, I couldn’t tell you. We’ve been through so much together in such a short time. I don’t think I could handle seeing you cry. You live in Wisconsin we might see each other once a year, I didn’t want this to be a last depressing conversation, I wanted it to be a light, normal conversation I could remember you by and you me. It might not be true, it’s very outdated, it’s like he went off the grid or something. I hope you are happy in your new life, even if you don’t see me. I wish I could comfort you in your distress while you read this. I am going to find my father, and if nothing else, to tell him how awful he’s been to me by not coming to bring me home. At best I’ll be reunited to my father and we’ll be able to restart our lives. I hope he lives closer than the records say. I understand if you’re mad, just understand, please.

Good Bye, Fly. I’ll always remember you.

A tear dropped, then another, and another. Soon Fly was crying deep heaving sobs that wracked her whole body. She thought it bizarre that she cried over someone she barely knew. Maybe it was because of all that had happened, or the ordeal they'd shared, either way, the loss was heavy.

Jessica burst in. She cradled Fly in her arms as best she could and quietly crooning, “Shh. It’s okay. It’ll be okay. Let it out, let it out.” Then they simply sat, Fly cried until she could cry no more, and Jessica simply trying to comfort Fly. She just sat there. Her tears gone, she was limp and all her walls and tough exterior were gone. She was Charlotte, stipped to her core, a core that had been hidden to prevent more heartbreak since her father had died.

When Fly was ready, she looked up at Jessica.

“What is it?” Jessica asked tenderly.

“He-he’s gone, to Colorado.”

“Who-Who’s gone?!”

“Michael, the note, look at the note.” Jessica read over the note quickly and said, “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. But you know, maybe his father is going to be closer than we think, hmm?”

“I guess, I’m not mad, really. Just-” Fly didn’t know what she felt exactly, “Disappointed. I wish I could have said goodbye. It was like when my dad died, I was disappointed I didn’t have more time with him.”

“I understand. I felt a similar way when I found out I couldn't have any children. I wonder if there’s any way you can contact him. I think he already left, I guess the police and people who heard the story got some money together to help him get places he needs to go…” Jessica’s voice faded out, “To find his father. You have to let him do this, he hasn’t seen his dad in years. You know how that feels, you’d do anything to see your dad again, wouldn’t you?”

“I guess. It’s just-I mean, I dunno’... I guess I just wish we had a more meaningful conversation. We talked about nothing. Just stupid stuff that doesn’t matter. I just want to talk to him like better or more meaningfully.”

“Yeah, well I’ll see if I can find his phone number or email, or something…?” Her voice trailed off, and Fly followed her eyes and saw a police officer standing solemnly at the door.

Author's Note

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