Page 35 of Gaming with the Gargoyle in Hallow's Cove

I know that I should be paying attention, but I worry that Gabe may have overestimated my ability to complete challenges while in a heightened emotional state. Thank goodness he gave me some back up.

Ted and Sydney debate where the mines might be and I take a minute to stabilize myself. If Gabe has bundled all of these letters so that I can read them at a time that is convenient and be emotionally prepared, it stands to reason that he is wanting to make sure that the rest of it should have a different tone, right?

He wouldn't have gone through the effort of acknowledging that these letters might be hard for me and bundling them up so I could read them later if they were going to keep being really sad.

Ted and Sydney look over at me expectantly,

"Sorry, what did you ask?"

"I think that there is a mine here, so we think we should position Rena here to disarm it."

I look at the conclusions they've drawn, and nod my agreement. When I place Rena, more open spaces appear, though no treasure chests yet. I roll and successfully disarm the trap on my first try. This time, the hidden compartment pops open a drawer on one of the bookcases across the room. Jake reaches back and fishes it out, placing it on the table in front of me. My hands are shaking when I pick it up.. No matter how many times I repeat in my head. That it's not going to be sad again I don't quite believe it.

I unfold the first paper, the date on this letter is from approximately three years ago. It's hard for me to think about what might have been happening at that time, so I suppose I'll just have to let the letter orient me.

Gwen,

Today something happened that I never expected. For the first time in years, I have an inkling of hope. Today, you very awkwardly, adorably so close asked me what I thought our options might be for getting our business in our name. I was confused, until you explained that you weren't sure if a judge would award you ownership if you divorced Preston. I know you've been unhappy, but I've tried to stay out of it. It didn't feel fair for me to do anything that could sway your thoughts on your relationship with Preston. It's one of the ways I've always felt conflicted. As your best friend, I should tell you that I don't like the way that he treats you, but as a man who is in love with you, anything I say on the matter feels serving. I don't know that I will ever think anyone treats you as well as you deserve, not even me, even though I'd try.

Anyway, I'm really proud of you. Because when I asked you about it some more, you really seemed to be considering what you wanted for the rest of your life, and that's really what I want for you most. I can't pretend that I am not overjoyed because perhaps visions that I hoped for my future might potentially be true, but more importantly, visions you have for your future might come true.

I love you (even if this is the only time I ever say it),

Gabe

So much for not crying more. Tears ran down my face and Jake ran around the table to give me a hug… and sneak a look at the letter, I’m sure.

“How much damage does a mine do in this game?” Sydney asks, looking at the map.

“If I remember right, I think it’s like up to twelve fire damage, four thunder and three falling?” Brooks says.

“No, no, it’s twelve thunder, six fire, and two bludgeoning. Falling is bludgeoning, not falling.” Ted says. “I remember, because that thunder damage kicked my ass when we fought the storm giant.”

“That was because you were vulnerable, remember? The cultist castElement Curseat you.”

“Oh yeah.”

I snort through my tears, trust the guys to make me laugh.

“Okay, can Rena take a mine or two?” Sydney picks up my mini like she’s going to move her.

“What?” Brooks stands up, a look of pure shock on his face. “Honey, you can’t justtouchother peoples’ minis like that!”

Sydney snatches her hand back like Rena burned her.

“I’m trying to speedrun this bitch, Gabe needs to get his ass in here. He can’t be making Gwen cry and then expecting her to do all this!”

I wipe tears from my eyes and stand. “It’s good, I’m good. It’s really sweet, I promise. Good tears, now. Syd, do it, you have my full consent.” I stick my tongue out at Brooks and wink.

Sydney moves Rena and whoops in triumph when a new area of the map opens, revealing a chest. She slams Rena onto the chest triumphantly and Hayley comes through the door, cheering silently. Jake immediately abandons me for his mate. I’d call him a traitor, but I love them together too much to be upset. Plus, the way he kisses her head makes me melt… and then I think about Gabe and it’s everything I can do not to cry again.

I’ve only got two mines left to find and thankfully, Sydney’s locked and loaded on the map. Hayley looks over Jake’s shoulder at it.

“There’s one in that bottom right corner, and I think another one away from that far left mine.” Hayley says.

“Damn girl,” Sydney says after a moment. “I think you’re right.”

I square my shoulders and look at the map. Sheisright.