Page 56 of A Kiss from the Fae (Mistress of Magic #2)

My girl Zelda,

The staff here at the hospice have suggested that I write you a letter. They say it’s a thing people do at this stage of the illness, so that I can tell you everything I want to and get any last secrets out into the open.

They also said I could make a book of photos of me for you (like you don’t already have them). Or maybe they think you’ll forget what I look like. I’m not doing the photo book thing. It’s just not my style, and I know you’ll remember what I look like, because, girl, you look just like me.

I’ve told them that I don’t have any secrets from you, but they still said I should write the letter. So, here it is.

I hope that, when you read this, you know that I love you and I am crazy proud of you. You are the best thing that I have ever done with my life. I am so proud to have been your mom. I’m just sorry that I have to say goodbye a little earlier than I hoped.

I did the best I could for you, and I know it was tough sometimes.

Thank you for always being such a good kid and taking it on the chin.

Your dad missed out by leaving us, I’ll tell you that much.

At some point, you may want to get in touch with him, and if you do, you have my blessing.

Or, you might not, and that’s okay too. I’m sorry, though, that I don’t have any contact details for him and haven’t for a long time, so you would have to find him some other way.

If I had one piece of advice for you, Zelda, it’s to be strong. I always taught you to be independent and follow your heart, so keep doing that. And when life gets you down, remember what Maya Angelou said: If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

I know you’re going to be okay, but remember that, when I’m gone, you shouldn’t grieve for me too much. Life is for the living – so, live it as best as you are able, my sweet girl. You may not think that I lived the life I wanted, but I made the most of what I had, and so should you.

May your days ahead be busy, and your nights filled with comfort.

I’ll love you always, Zelda. I’ll be watching over you.

Mom xxxx