My dearest grandson,
As I watch a ghostly fog reach forward and curl toward Outset Island, it takes me back to a time when my world seemed faded and my heart was heavy with loss. I often find myself looking out to sea, hoping to catch a glimpse of sails on the horizon once again, but then I remember that my granddaughter is safe, sleeping soundly by the fire, and my grandson is exploring the world as fate had always intended.
I can remember the moment you came into this world. You were so aware, so inquisitive, and once Aryll came along, so protective of your little sister. You are still so young but wise beyond your years and more courageous than most men I have met. It fills me with sorrow to think about how fast you had to grow up, but like how the wind changes, destiny had a greater plan for you. I often sit in my chair by the fire and think about how much time has flown. You and Aryll were both so young when your parents were lost, and all I wanted to do was to shield you from how dark the world can be. But when the world was at its grayest, you both became my happiness and my reason why, even on the roughest of tides, I could still see a glimmer of sunlight.
I would be lying if I said that the past has not changed me, but how could it not? I was frightened for the life of my innocent granddaughter, and I had to watch my 12-year-old grandson leave his life-long home while in the company of pirates. You may not know this, but I stayed on the balcony of our home and watched the ship that carried you away from me until it was no longer in sight. Once it was a mere shadow and replaced with the sunset, I stood deep in thought and wondered if our lives would have been different if I did not present you with the gift of tradition that same day. The Hero’s Clothes were meant to celebrate your coming of age and honor the feats of the legendary Hero of Time, but it feels as if all they did was act as an omen that brought pain to our lives.
I have always tried to be strong for you both, but on that day I looked into the ocean, I saw an old, hopeless lady staring back in the water’s reflection. I knew then that I wanted to help in any way that I could, even if it was just sending kind, encouraging words along with a bit of money in the mail or making sure that your favorite soup was waiting at home whenever you would return. I did my best, but sheer worry and sadness can do a lot to a body, especially one as fragile as mine. I ended up sleeping for days on end, falling into a deep despair and finding the only solace in the dreams where I could be with my grandchildren. I will never forget the day you appeared behind a flash of pink light, when a new lease of life surged through my body and reawakened my spirit. You gave me something that I thought was lost forever. You gave me hope.
When the waters finally calmed and we were a family again, it was the best day of my life, but I understood that voyaging is in your blood, and it wouldn’t be long until you left our little island again. I want you to know that I am proud of the hero that you have become, and I know that your place on this world is wherever the wind takes you.
Please visit soon.
Love always,
Grandma.
