And now, as I stare at the envelope between my fingers, I realise it’s time to read what he has to say. Without Nico’s tutoring, I may well have spent time drawing at some point in my life but might not have been bold enough to discover what I was really capable of doing. He was my inspiration, whether I like it or not.

Tearing it open, I slip out the single sheet of paper and stuff the envelope into my pocket.

My dear Fern,

The night I locked the door of the studio, as you sat on the rug with the robe half draped around you is etched in my memory forever. As we were bathed in the soft light, I was a man transfixed by the beauty of my muse. As an artist, I directed you into the perfect pose and my pencil greedily filled page after page. My soul soared in celebration of something that transcended physical beauty; something I still can’t quite explain.

Your inner beauty and goodness permeated through the glow of your naked skin as I strived to capture every little nuance, every sensual curve. I believe I came to understand how close passion can be to insanity that night. For I realised that I was insanely in love with you.

You were my beautiful angel and always will be. But I know that angels are meant to be ethereal and that, sadly, you could never be mine in the real sense of the word. Not least because I am undeserving.

For one night, though, you were mine and mine alone – to capture on paper.

My fingertips touched your shoulder for one brief moment as I slipped down the robe. We didn’t share a single word the entire time. Yet it was to become the most exquisite night of my life. One that will never leave me until I take my final breath.

I know how dear your family are to you; everything you do is for them, and as a man who is often selfish in his moodiness and sense of regret, I found that truly humbling.

Have a long and happy life, my darling Fern, for you deserve it. Be happy, keep painting and let your artistic soul soar. You touched my life briefly and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Your portrait is the first thing I gaze upon each morning before I begin my day and the last thing I see at night. I am a happy man indeed and I wanted you to know that it’s because of you I was able to finally let go of my past demons.

I will never forget your kindness. You will always be an angel, to me.

Nico