My Darling Boy,

It grieves me to have to write this to you but I wanted you to have something to remember me by should you forget my last days with you when you are older. You are very mature and clever for twelve, but when you are twenty-two it shall seem a lifetime away and so shall I.

Take good care of your sister and your Aunt Elladora, she may not seem as though she needs it but she will appreciate your company more than she will let on. Be a good boy for your father, he lets on even less than your aunt.

I wish I didn't have to leave you so soon, you have such a fine future ahead of you and I want desperately to see it happen, but I remember when you were very small and how I knew even then that you were destined for great things. I know that you will not disappoint me. I am proud of you already.