Clifford,

How could I not forgive you? Whatever your past sins, you are still my brother, and I would be lying if I said it did not warm my heart to hear from you now, regardless of the circumstances. I must hope, however, that you keep your wits about you; do not allow your pride to force you down the path that I have taken. For all that I am content with my life as it is now, the road to get here was neither easy nor enjoyable.

I am still not much of a green thumb, but I do have a thriving box of marigolds. Sometimes I wonder if one of my neighbours does not give them a bit of care to make up for my own shortcomings as a gardener!

Yours,