Dear Telemachus,
I'm not sure how to say these things, but I need to try.
Whether it's from guilt, love, or obsession, I just can't rest easy until I apologize for the way things ended between us.
I was a coward. I'm sorry.
I do not regret the decision I made--not any more--but I do regret the way I made it, my reasons for doing so, and.... Most of all, I regret the way I treated you.
The honest truth is, I was afraid. You looked so much younger than I, and things would be that way forever.
I couldn't bear what people might think.
Gellius has been good to me; I want you to know that.
I went to him because of cowardice, and he to me because of jealous rivalry, but we came to love each other.
He seems arrogant and taciturn to others, but he treats me with all the tenderness and respect I could ever wish for. I hope it makes things easier for you, knowing that.
I know I can never expect your forgiveness, so now I wish to forget everything that happened between us. I can't bear the thought of your anger and resentment.
You should do the same. I hope you haven't spent any time over the years pining for the cold-hearted, cowardly woman who ran from you.
May Ariel bless you, and bring you the happiness I could not.
~ Dirvisia