The salutation, the only words written on the paper in front of her, remained as far as she’d gotten after attempting to write the letter several times. There were so many things to tell them and yet, Kathryne couldn’t make the words flow. She knew she owed it to her parents to let them know her plans had changed and why she’d chosen a new life in Crystal Springs rather than Sacramento. Her mother would understand. Her father would not. As the sun’s rays flowed through the window and warmed her, she glanced at the clock and realized there was still another hour before school started for the day. She dipped her pen into the inkwell, took a deep breath, and tried once more. By now you must realize, she wrote and let the air escape her lungs in a long sigh. She crossed out the words and started again. Please don’t be angry with me. “This isn’t the way to tell them, Kate,” she murmured aloud. “Be strong. Be decisive. Be brave, for heaven’s sake. What’s the worst that could happen?”
