Genie,

By the time you read this, I’ll be on the road to Welly. I didn’t want to just bugger off without at least telling you why, because even though we haven’t known each other all that long, a lot has happened. A lot of bloody drama. I saved your life, for one thing! Nah, I’m only pulling your feathers out – I would have done that even if I didn’t like you much. Probably.

I know I told you before that I wasn’t that keen on moving away. The yard might be out in the wop-wops, but it’s always felt like a home to me, especially since I started renting with Bon. But Allie has been so patient, waiting here for me to feel ready all this time. The thing is, I didn’t want to leave Tui. I know she has her mum and Simon, but she needs someone else – someone who can look out for her, who understands her in the right way, you know?

I have watched the two of you scamps growing closer every day, and when the truth all came out last week, and I realised that you weren’t just Tui’s mate, but her sister, it dawned on me that she doesn’t need me as much any more. And that’s a good thing. Tui deserves someone like you in her life, a person who can love her in an uncomplicated way. And I can tell how much you love each other, just as I know that if you give it time, you’ll totally fall head-over-weird-Shire-horse-shoes for Bonnie, too. The three of you are cookies cut from the same dough, so I’m glad you’ve ended up finding each other. And there is no reason why you can’t all be happy now – no reason at all.

As for me, well, I made a promise a long time ago to a girl that I have loved for a lot of years, and now, I guess, it’s time for me to put her first.

Watch out for Griff, won’t you? Now that me and Allie aren’t there, he’ll be after a new drinking buddy. At least, that’s what he’ll tell you to get you out on a date with him.

Oh, and remember what I said about the sun and the shadows. Let misery make its home in the darkness, and seek out your future in the light.

Kit x