Prologue

Dear Dal,

I miss you so much. Why did you have to leave me, Dal? I would be lying if I say I hate you but isn't that what our relationship was based on? I wish you would come back to me. If that was possible. You didn't even give me a chance to say goodbye. You're so cruel, Dal. What about all the promises you made? What about the plans we made? Dal, I can't raise it alone. Why did you have to leave me now? Why did you feel like you had to hide stuff from me, love? Did I really make you feel like you couldn't talk to me? I loved you so much, Dal. I didn't mean to be distant. I was trying to figure out a way to tell you you were going to be a father. I guess you figured that out on your own. It's been the longest month of my life, Dal. My belly is starting to show, but I still haven't told mom. I don't think she has noticed yet either. I want to run away, but I don't have money or a house to stay in. I don't have a friend to talk to. You were the only one I had, Dal. But you had to leave me too. I'm only 18. How am I to raise the kid alone, Dal? I miss you so much. I miss running through the tall and green grass with you. I miss laying down with you at night, watching the stars. I miss naming the brightest stars we see. I miss it when you sang for me. I miss your beautiful voice hitting those high notes and singing such a beautiful melody. I miss going horseback riding with you. I miss laughing with you. I miss running my hand through that soft hair of yours. I miss locking hands with you. I miss staring into your eyes. The eyes that I drown in. I just miss you, Dal. I hope you're not tired of the letters I put on your grave everyday. I also bring those flowers you adore. The ones that you told me had a beautiful scent that it makes you feel like you're floating in the clouds. It's not because I think these letters will reach you that I write them. It's because it brings back your presence. Your presence puts a stop to the tears that seem to be flowing like a waterfall these days. I find peace in your presence, Dal. I find peace in your presence.

You will always have a special place within my heart, my love

-Imani