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‘We’ll be OK, Mum. I’m here for you and so is Dad. And now that Dad is earning money again, you don’t need to worry so much, and I’m going to get a summer job and make my own money too. I don’t want you to worry about anything.’

‘Thanks, Riley, you’re just great.’

‘I’m going to meet Zach now. Are you going to be all right? Do you want me to stay?’

‘No, pet, go and have fun.’

‘Are you sure?’

Mia nodded. ‘Yes.’

She watched her daughter leave. Mia blew kisses behind her back as she walked out.

She sat down and pressed Play. She wanted to be with Sarah again. Back to the beginning, where it all started. Two sisters, beginning life full of hope and dreams. Two sisters, united for ever by family and love.

My darling Izzy

We read your mother’s seven beautiful letters of love. Now, I’m going to try to write the eighth.

Mummy told you about your first step, smile, tooth and word. She wrote about your first day at school and your first Christmas play, where you were the most beautiful angel.

I missed a lot of those precious moments because I was too busy working. I’m sorry, Izzy. I’m sorry for not being there more. I promise you that I will be a better father.

The last few months have been heartbreaking. But through it all you, my very own angel, have kept me going. When I look at you my heart bursts with pride. I sometimes think it’s going to explode out of my chest.

You are the light and love of my life. You are so like Sarah. Sometimes when I look at you, my heart skips a beat. It’s like looking at Sarah. You have her beauty, her big heart, her kindness and her strength.

I know you miss her. I know your little heart is broken. I hate that life has shown you how cruel it can be at such a young age.

I hate that you’re not going to have Sarah sitting in the front row at every school event. But I’ll be there. I promise you, Izzy, I will be there, clapping and cheering as loudly as I can.

I’ll keep trying to get better at cooking and hair-plaiting and shopping.

We can do this. You and me. And we’re lucky because we have so many people who will help us and who love you and want to be part of your life. I promise that I will make sure that you see your mum’s family all the time.

I promise that I will do everything in my power to make your life happy. I will keep you safe and I will try to love you enough for two people.

It’s you and me, Izzy, you and me against the world, and there is no one I’d rather go through life with than you.

I love you,

Daddy