Chapter 45
Chapter Forty-Five
DUSTIN
January 2015
E cho and I continue to stay in contact through our letters. She keeps me informed about all things Dylan and I keep her informed about the progress I’m making on the house. We don’t talk about us as I know she’s focused on being a present mother and wife, and I don’t want to take away from that. I’m just trying to follow Lynsie’s advice of being whatever she needs. I do ask about Brian out of general concern for Echo’s and Dylan’s well-being. She always says he’s doing better and staying consistent with his therapy, and I leave the prodding at that. I’ve come to the conclusion that no matter what happens between Echo and me, I want a relationship with my son. While I want her and for us to be a family, Dylan and his needs have become a vital part of my life.
Once the flooring is complete and I’m done with all the final touches of furnishing the home, I decide to write Echo and hope I’m not pushing my luck this time. But I have to make sure she knows without a shadow of a doubt that there’s always a place for her here. That no matter how long she’s been gone, she can come back.
How do you tell someone you’ve never stopped loving them and never will? That you will love them as long as it takes someone to count every single star in the sky. That your love expands the depths of the universe and transcends time. That you would literally die for them and almost did. That every decision you’ve ever made while apart was subconsciously for them. How do you say all of that and more without using words?
Echo,
If you need a safe space, come home.
Love, D
I fold the note around the spare key I made just for her and put it in the envelope.