You have taught me more than any college or university ever could—and definitely way more than any prison could. In different ways you and Dan have shown me how it’s possible for people to come into our lives for the worst reasons and somehow make it better. I know you would definitely wish I’d never come into yours and no one could blame you for that, definitely not me. Tbh, I wish I hadn’t come into it, because it would be a lot better if I hadn’t, I mean for you, not me. Trouble is, we can’t turn back the clock, and what’s totally surreal to me is that no one seems to understand that better than you.

The other day you told me something in the way only you could, you said that if it weren’t for me you wouldn’t have known what truly special friends you have for the way they all stood by you, Claudia, and Jasmine during the terrible times you’ve been through. I don’t know how you can give me the credit for that, but I do know that anyone who has YOU as a friend is the one who’s blessed.

More than six weeks have gone by since the day you changed everything for me in court, and during that time you’ve carried on being kind to me and Ma in a way that one of us—me—could never deserve. You’ve set me on the road to a new career in landscaping by asking your friends to take me on, you’ve even continued to invite me into your home. I don’t think there are many people who could do that; in my world no one ever would.

I heard today that your scum of a son-in-law has been arrested, and I want you to know that I’ve already told the police that I’ll stand up in court to testify to make sure you don’t have to. They said they’ll get in touch with me when they know more. Whether anyone will come after me for it, I’ve got no idea, but I can’t see he has any influence now, so I’m not bothered.

You might have guessed by now that this is a goodbye letter. I want you to know that I’ll always remember you, and I’ll do my best to live up to the opportunities you’ve given me, and to your belief in me. It’s time now for me to free you up and make my own way with Ma. Just know that if there’s ever anything you need and you think I can help, all you have to do is pick up the phone.