Shelby Dobson
Dear Papa,
I used to be the happiest girl around when you were here. I was always optimistic, and I made the mood change for the better. After you left me, I changed. I vowed to never be that naive little girl. The one who thought you would never leave me. The girl you knew is dead and buried. I changed my hair, my style of clothing, and how I perceived the world. Everything about me had to change once you left. I needed to be a girl you’d never known so that the experience I feel now won’t feel stolen. Like I’m living the same life, just without you. It has to be different. It must be different. If I’m going to stay on this planet without you, it has to feel like an alternate universe, because now I can’t go anywhere without seeing you. You will forever haunt the death you committed. You were supposed to stay. You were meant to stay. But you left without a goodbye, taking your life in your own hands. Leaving me behind.
My only chance at a goodbye,
Your granddaughter