Another letter comes from Simon, and Lucy springs off her bed to open the monthly gift. With Simon being so far away she always holds her breathe as she reads hoping that distance has not found its way into his heart.

But what she reads today is different. Tears stream from her face as her eyes focus on each word of the worrying letter. It is as though it cannot be possible, not fair.

Lucy bends over letting emotion take over, scrunching the letter in her hand, 'No! They can't do this to him'� she cries. Her maid, Idela, runs into the living room to give aid to the only person that means something to her, 'Lucy, what has happened madam?'� she asks.

Between the rivers of tears and the choking air in her throat she mutters, 'He's coming back.'� Idela, looking a bit puzzled sits down placing her arm around her, 'Why do you cry then?'�

Lucy looks up into Idela's eyes trying to find hope anywhere possible. 'Idela promise me you will stay with me, through anything, even if insanity takes over, even if I ask you to leave.'� Idela stares into Lucy's eyes not knowing what to say. She gently and slowly reaches out to read the awful letter that has somehow made its way into her life.

Lucy runs out of the room and up the staircase as Idela starts reading.

I wish I could express joy on such an
occasion but the news I have will only
bring sorrow. I don't know how best to
put this so I will just say it as it
comes. I will be returning to Trathó on
the fourth week, but my stay will be
short as I will be taken to the sword
the very next day. I chose my home town
and will understand fully if you do not
wish to attend.

The letter falls to the floor as Idela runs up the stairs to empathize with a soul about to be lost to the world.

Lucy stands gazing out the window onto the lush green fields with massive oak trees scattered along the edges.
The cool breeze gives her goose bumps as she wraps her arms around herself and asks, 'It's going to be alright isn't it?'�

Idela stands at the bedroom door waiting for the right moment letting Lucy think this one out for herself.

'Time will move on and things will change. I don't know how long it will take before all the memories are lost but I think I will manage; I think I will manage Idela.'�

Lucy turns to face Idela, 'I think it will be alright, I think I'll find a way.'� She bursts into tears falling to her knees at her bedside.

Idela wraps her arms around her pressing her head against hers, 'I will always be here for you Lucy, I will always be here.'�

The fourth week comes and the fourth week goes. A messenger rings the doorbell and delivers the ashes of the deceased Simon Godfold, a man sent to the sword after betraying his country.

Lucy sits in the lounge drinking tea, not knowing what emotion to feel. The letter still remains where it was dropped a month ago and her maid, Idela, has left to seek better livings.

Days go by, then weeks, then months, then years. Lucy sits in the same chair, with the letter still where it was when it was dropped and left. She finishes her tea and makes her way up to the top most floor; to the bedroom where she never experienced the love that was owed to her.

The window on the left side has taken an awful beating leaving only an empty frame and a dirty windowsill.

She walks to the battered hole in the wall and begins climbing out when she notices a man waiting at her front door. She waits in the moment, looking at her first visitor in twenty years.

The man stands patiently when eventually the front door opens with a haggard and thin woman standing in the frame.
Complete bewilderment takes over Lucy's face as she utters the word, 'Simon?'� steadying herself against the door frame.

Thoughts rush through her mind as she tries to find the missing piece, the part that she never understood. There was always that one thing that was in her mind the entire time, something that never made sense.

With not knowing what words would best fit she asks the question which she never knew, 'Do you love me?'�

Without saying a word the man draws a gun from his holster and fires a single bullet into Lucy's chest. He clasps her as she falls onto him and whispers the words he never told her, 'I will always love you Lucy.'�

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