It started with the suspicion that there were squirrels in the attic. It had been noisy the last few nights and it was started to piss Em off. So that Sunday afternoon, Emma and Em decided to investigate. They both slipped up into the old forgotten attic.
Dust covered everything, old boxes, trunks and the bookshelf filled with old books.
But there was no signs of any squirrels. And between Em and Emma, their own curiosity took hold, rooting through old boxes and trunks. If Emma pulled out a photo, Em would try to tell her who it was in the photo, if she knew. There was some stuff of Em's or her fathers...but a lot of it was Stacy's.
Em rooted through a box, pulling out old books and in the bottom of the box there was an envelope.
With her name on it in Stacy's handwriting.
It looked the exact same as the letter that Stacy left her after the hellhounds got her.
Her face fell, stomach grew queasy, and her hands shook ever so slightly. Nimble fingers opened the envelope and there was a letter inside.
I hope when you find this, you are older, wiser, stronger. I had a feeling when approximately you'd find this.
By this time, your father is likely gone. And you are alone.
I know he never spoke of Beth much. He said it was out of respect for me. But truth be told, I knew her. I knew your mother well and your father and I often discussed that he should talk to you about her.
But he never did when I was around. And I'm guessing he still hadn't.
Beth was strong, like you. Actually, I want to believe you were always stronger. She was smart, and I'm fairly certain you got her sass. Because even though you never met her- somedays you look up at me and you'll say something sarcastic, and I swear I'm watching a movie with your mother again.
Beth loved you- and couldn't wait to have you. I'm sorry, I never could break it to her that she'd only ever hold you once.
She gave you many gifts, Emma. I hope you realize that.
I always wished things were better for you Emma. I wished you could have that normal life, which is why I tried so hard to make the years you lived with me exactly what you needed.
Take care, stay strong, and always remember I'm proud of you.
Em finished reading the letter, dropping it onto the floor. She reached for her pockets and pulled out her cigarettes. Silently she slipped a cigarette in between her lips and lit it.