I’m sorry that I hurt you. I can’t even imagine how much you hate me right now, but thank you for keeping my secret. It means a lot. I know I don’t deserve your friendship because of what I asked. It wasn’t fair of me to even ask you that, but that day wasn’t fair in so many ways, I can’t even count. But we can’t change the past, can we?

If there was even one moment in time when you trusted in us, I want you to think back to that moment. Think back, and hold on to it, because I swear to you on Your life (yes, I said Your life), since that moment you’re thinking back to, nothing between us has changed. In fact, our friendship has strengthened.

I have to tell you something you cannot mention again. Not to me, not to anyone. Please. We can’t change the past and what happened (God, how much I wish I could!), but I need you to know the truth.

I know it won’t be easy to believe me now, but I didn’t set that fire.

I had to pretend that I did, and I can’t tell you why. And I can’t have you mention this again. Please. I wouldn’t be able to take it. And because I trust in you, I know that you won’t. That’s why I’m giving this letter to Nathan to pass onto you.

I need to find myself and learn to love myself before I can let anyone into my life again. I know it might not make any sense to you, but I need the next few years on my own. I will still come by to see Mackenzie and my brother, but I won’t stay in town. I can’t ever stay in Hope Bay again.

Again, I’m sorry.

And Carter, you’re going to be one of the best firefighters this town, or world, has ever seen.

Your Friend Always,

Molly