January 20th, 1995
Dear Maddy,
Words cannot begin to express how deeply relieved I feel within. While I am reading your letter I can hear that low raspy voice in college egging me on to just do more and to have confidence in myself. Those words meant a lot to me then and they still do now.
I am happy to know that you have crept out of your shell and started trying new things. I would love to hear about your travel experiences one day or see one of your gorgeous paintings. Only time will tell.
So tell me why have you kept your heart hidden away from finding true love? You are one of the kindest and generous friends I have ever known and I am sure you would make the perfect wife one day. While I made a mistake in my life I still believe in the power of love. So don’t give up searching for it.
However, please take your time and be careful when choosing a partner. I rushed into my marriage too soon and allowed so-called love to make me turn a blind eye to my mates’ glaring faults. I hate to talk about the bad days but I have to let you know why I ran away without saying a word. Brad became very violent and emotionally abusive towards our family. I feared for my life every single day and I knew I had to act with urgency. My dear friend, I trust you with all my heart but I could not risk revealing my location. I still wish I could but it is not yet safe. Sadly I have not seen my two children in over a year and that crushes my soul. But I know they are doing well.I think I have learned that I am stronger than I ever thought I could be. I pray each day to have a reason to live and I am here still.
Please do not forget me.
Your friend, Abigail