Mary's letter to Daniel

Daniel's reading of Mary's letter after her death. From my novel, "Mary and Daniel."

   

    Daniel pulled Mary's letter out of his pocket. He read the envelope. To My Daniel. He gently opened the envelope, removing the letter, and unfolded it a third at a time until it lay open in his hands. Daniel began to read it aloud.

My Dearest Daniel,

    I never knew my life would be so complete, the moment I saw you I knew you were someone I needed in my life. When you said goodbye, Mary, as you left the emergency room, and I said goodbye my Daniel. Not realizing what I had said. Another nurse asked me if you were really mine. Then I realized you really were mine and always would be. You are everything I ever wished for in a man, your honorable, courageous, caring, compassionate. The day you carried me across the creek on your back, and I said I trusted you. I should have told you, I love you. When you knelt down in front of me and looked at me, I knew you loved me, I could see it in your eyes. Just minutes ago, you performed a mime routine, Marcel Marceau couldn't have done better. You put yourself out there for all to see. If some saw it as you playing the part of a fool, then you are my fool and I'm yours. I love you, Daniel.

                                                                Yours forever, Mary

    Daniel folded the letter back into thirds, placed it into the envelope and put it back in his left shirt pocket over his heart. Then he laid down beside of Mary and wept. Yes, his heart was broken, but he would live as long as he held onto Mary's love. Daniel fell asleep beside Mary. Promising to watch over her for the rest of his life.