I’ve missed you so much. It’s been hard here without you. You took my heart with you when you left. I hope you know how much I love you and how much of a struggle it has been with you being away. The days have been so long. I wait by the window every night, hoping to see your ship come in, but I’m always disappointed. I will keep counting the days until your return without knowing how many there will be.

  Weeping Wallows is the same as it always was, raining all the time, but some things have changed since you left. My sister lost her painting business to a mechanism company, and my mom has been on the bottle because of it. My dad has not been able to find another job either. It has not been easy for them or for me. We could be kicked out of our tree. I don’t know where I would go and live if not for my friend, Toby, who has supported me since you’ve been away. My brother joined the Armada, and it looks like he’s going to be knighted. That should help us a lot once he starts sending money home.

  I wish you’d write, but I understand you must be busy. I really hope you’re safe. I realized you must have gained passage out of Poughkeepsy Relics when the Hearth returned without you. I worry about you sometimes, but I know you’re a talented voyager who will return to me unharmed.

  How has it been? How many ports have you been to? Have you found your mom yet? I suppose you’d have come home by now if you had.

  You missed the carnival this year. It really was something. A troop of clowns came to town, and something amazing happened. My friend Toby bought me a ticket, and we went together. The inside of the tent they put up was filled with a strange sound, something like a roar. I looked back into the stands and the entire crowd of asses laughing. It was amazing. I’d never heard a sound like that before. The laughter didn’t last, of course. Everyone went back to the way things were before they even left the tent. It was really something. It makes me wonder what else is out there, and I can’t help but think of all the things you’ve seen since you left me.

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  I saw our old master the other day. He asked how you were doing. I told him I assumed you were well. He seemed worried about you. We’re all worried about you. I don’t know how you are because I’ve not received a letter from you yet. I hope you’re well and safe, and I really hope you’re finding what you’re looking for. I miss you terribly, and I can’t wait for you to come home. My friend Toby has been the only thing keeping me alive through all this.

  On a more disturbing thought, nobody has seen or heard from your dad in a while. I went by your house the other day but nobody was home, at least nobody came to the door when I knocked. I’m not sure what could have happened or where he might have gone. I assume your leaving hurt him deeper than he’d admit. I once saw him at the inn while having breakfast with Toby. He seemed terribly sad. I almost didn’t recognize him. Toby says that canids never get over losses and that the loss of a loved one is like being stabbed in the heart. Is that true? Is that how it felt when your mom left? Is that why you left me?

  I would be lost without Toby. He has been such a support through all this. You being gone has been such a burden on all of us. You don’t know how much of a support you are when you’re home. I miss you so much, and I love you.

  With that, I have to tell you something. I don’t think you and me can be together anymore. Your leaving has been too much for me, and it’s becoming clear that we’ll never be married. I don’t know how long you will be gone, and I cannot bear to wait until you maybe come back someday. I don’t even know if you’re alive or if this letter will reach you. I hope it does, and I hope it finds you in good spirits. I hope you understand how hard this has been on me. Sometimes, I think it might be best if you don’t come home at all, unless you want to be with me and can get home soon. But for now, I need to move on with my life. I’m crying as I write these words, but I think this is for the best. Whatever happens, I hope you always know I’ll be there for you. Who knows what will happen in the future.

  Love forever,

  Shar

  *******

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