Nancy, what can I say? Your loss is so great and my words are so inadequate. What I wouldn’t give to be able to open my front door and see Matt sweep inside like he used to, all smiles and good cheer, his eyes alert for everyone’s feelings. That is what I remember most about him—how he cared for all of my family, not just Amy. He was a rare soul, he can never be replaced. But I hope in time you are able to find a measure of peace and reason in this great loss. You deserve that, and so much more.

My daughter hurt your son, but I know she would now do anything to take back that hurt. But that’s the trouble with these mortal lives. Seldom are we given a second chance. Please forgive her, if you can, please forgive all of us. We love you and we think about you all the time.

Take care, John

Matt did not know what to make of the letter. John was a great guy, but he was still Amy’s father. He would have put the best spin possible on Amy’s concern without resorting to overt lies. Matt seriously doubted Amy would have done anything to take back the hurt she had caused. Because the truth of the matter was that she hadn’t done anything. His death had just been an excuse for her to act like she was consumed with remorse. Why, she had not even bothered to warn him about her marriage to David. She had just discarded him, forgotten about him, and gotten on with her plush life. She had not come to his memorial because she was probably getting her hair done that afternoon.

Of course it was nice to pretend she had been devastated.

Dangerous to pretend. Today of all days.

His mother had fresh mail. There was another e-mail to his mother from John.

Dear Nancy,

This is just a quick note to thank you for your kind letter. Yes, I am a grandfather all over again, it is hard to believe. Little Jimmy is such a delight. He almost never cries and he has Amy’s incredible eyes. How I wish he belonged to another father, but it is too late for such sentiments. But I know Matt would have made an incredible dad, he was so good with kids.