29. Twenty-Nine
ELIANA RICHARDS
Washington D.C., Summer 2023
One year together
Dear Father,
My entire life I wasn’t good enough for you.
No matter what I achieved and did, it was never enough. I had grades that every parent would kill for and I made it into the CIA Academy without any problems, even without the full scholarship. But when I saw all the parents congratulating their children for passing the screening test, you simply pursed your lips because I only had 98 out of 100 points.
But you know what?
Even when you gave your best to make me feel like a worthless piece of shit that would never deserve time, attention, or love from anyone else, I survived. I survived you.
It was hard and there were times in my life where I was ready to give up because you did not only break my body with the endless beating that I had to endure, but you also broke my soul.
You broke my will to fight, my hope that I’ll ever be good enough for anyone, and my confidence in more ways than I can count.
But then came Peter.
Peter worked so hard to prove to me that I’m indeed worth someone’s time, attention, and love. He picked up all the pieces you beat me into and slowly but steadily glued them back together with patience and love. For the first time in my life, I feel happy and at peace. I know that with Peter by my side I’d never have to fear anything anymore. And when I tell him that I don’t deserve him, he starts pulling out the stupid list he has and tells me how wonderful I actually am.
Peter Davis is the love of my life and I’m so sorry that he found me in such a devastated state that it took him a while to bring me back to life. A life that I actually enjoy and can’t wait to spend every day with this wonderful man.
He brought light to my darkness and he is the reason I can finally say that I know what happiness really feels like.
From this moment onwards, you will never have a place in my life anymore. I reported everything you did to the CIA and you are not allowed to come close to me at all or you get arrested.
From now onwards, all I care about is being happy. With Peter.
You, Father, will not be a part of my life anymore.
You will never make me feel worthless again and you will never even have the chance to apply any of your abusing strategies on Peter or our future children. One day, you’ll get what you deserve because in the end, karma will get ‘em all.
Your daughter.
Finally happy. Finally free.