November 23rd, 1881
My Dearest Father,
It is with heavy heart that I am forced to leave, with these my final words.
First and foremost, you must know that no harm has befallen me, and I leave this place of my own volition; this place of my birth, mother’s death, and these great stone walls that over the years have become my sanctuary; this home, the only one I have ever known, I have come to see as an extension of my very self. But alas, I have found my true sanctuary in the heart of my beloved.
Something has happened, father; something I dare not speak of, but must face nonetheless; something that has shaken me to the core of my soul and tests the very faith that has been so righteously instilled in me. But fear not, as I go with my heart overflowing with certainty and peace, knowing that not only is this the right decision, but my only decision.
You always said I had the heart of a poet with a gypsy’s soul and that one day my soul would overshadow what my heart does know. That day is upon us, father, as I push aside that which my heart holds dear and follow the only truth I know. For there can be no life for me without his arms to hold me, his love to fill me, his own soul to complete me.
Pray you we find our way, father, in this life and the next; and my God Himself bless our union, for no matter the outcome, ours is based on love in its purest form.
With undying devotion,
Clarissa
