His letter
Dear Iris,
I want to thank you for everything you and this shop have done for me. You pulled me from the chest and into existence, and for that I’ll always be grateful. It seems like it was such a long time ago, doesn’t it? I loved those days and the friends I’ve met in this place – even when it wasn’t always easy fitting in as a predator. Thank you, Iris, and to push this letter forward – goodbye.
Yes, I’m leaving. Please understand that I’m leaving for your own protection. I killed Kae. I don’t even know if she was breathing when Nay took her from me. What’s worse was that I enjoyed what I did, and I know I would do it again if I had to. I’m so sorry for the blood I’ve shed, and the pain my presence has caused. I love all of you dearly, so please don’t think I do this easily. Please don’t let Trea cry for me, and tell Syd I’m sorry for what I’ve done. And Rouge...I don't know what to say. I can’t risk hurting anyone else, as much as this hurts to do.
So goodbye, Iris, and to all those I love so much. This isn’t goodbye forever but until I do some growing up and some serious thinking as to who I am. Tell Willow that I’ve done my best to make this as clear as possible. It may not seem that way, but sometimes goodbye is a second chance. I’m going to make the best of it before I regret this and turn back. Please don’t follow me…
- Carl
The teen reread the letter for what had to be the fiftieth time that afternoon. Errant grey motes drifted lazily through the thick glass panes as from the parchment his sapphire blue eyes strayed wistfully, knowing it would be the last time he looked out this window. The shop resonated a silence heavy as death ever could in the brisk winter morning and seemed to mourn the occurrence of his past actions. Darkened crimson traces still laced the floorboards where the fight had taken place and would most likely always be a painful reminder of the awful power and anger that had driven his claws into Kae's crumpled body.
Malaise churned quietly within him as Carl slid from the window seat and crossed the shop, to the desk Iris used to oft be seen. Tendons pulled taunt and decisively present as he flapped his respawned wings. Their powerful strokes sent him skyward and high enough to place the letter where it would be found in a few days, when he would be long gone and the shop safe again. He almost reconsidered, a broken sensation resonating through his chest as he turned from it and flew away - a few fallen down feathers all remaining to serve as memory of him as he became little more than a speck in the distance of his birthplace.
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