Father,

I refuse to disclose my whereabouts, but know that I am safe, happy, and healthy. No longer am I weighed down by societal expectations, nor do I allow the insecurities of my childhood to dictate my self-worth.

No apology will ever soothe the feelings of fear and inadequacy that you've inflicted on me over the past eight years; nevertheless, I'm glad that you've come to realize your mistakes. Know that the scars you left on my body will always serve to help me remember the man who fathered me. I, at the very least, hope your death is not a painful one, and that both Julius and Araminta will forgive you for the pain you've caused them as well.

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