Darwin,

I wanted to tell you this in person, but I was afraid of what you might do, so I decided it would better to write a letter instead.

I know you think you know what is best for me.  I know if you had it your way, you would keep me locked away in a house, with nothing breakable around me possibly even in a padded room.  The cage you created for me may be very nice and plush, but it remains a cage. I know you think that I don’t know anything and that I am not capable of doing anything, and to be honest, I am tired of it.  I am more capable than you give me credit for and I think its time for me to strike out on my own.

I may be a child compared to you – I really don’t know how old you are – you have been around since before I was born so I assume you are very old.  But I am not a child – I am 23 years old and I am fully capable of making decisions for myself.  The new people that I have found – these mages – they are teaching me that I do matter – that I can do things for myself and that I can take care of myself and more so – that I can help others in the process. And I want to do that – to help others and to be my own person.

You cannot keep me safe forever – maybe you want to be locked away in a tomb for the rest of eternity because you think you are dead to the world, but me personally, I am not dead and I want to live – and I want to experience all that life has to offer.  And if living my life means that at times I must take risks, then so be it – and not you or anyone else can protect me from that. When my time on this earth reaches an end not you or anyone else can stop it – you need to learn to accept that.  Just because you live forever it doesn’t mean everyone else is going to as well.

I have closed my shop up in Palm Beach – and my apartment as well – since you were paying for both of them I am including the keys for both.  I hope you don’t mind but I did take some money from the account you setup for me to get started on my own.  I figured you probably wouldn’t miss it – but if you do and you want it back, I will be glad to pay you back it just may take me some time.  I took the car too since its in my name and I figured it was a gift – but if you want that back too, you can have it.  I know you have done a lot for me and for my family and for that I am truly grateful.

I would very much like to remain your friend, not right now because you scared me with the mind control thing you did in the warehouse.  Even though I know it was for my own good, it was still scary – but maybe later – at some point – we could be friends again.  For right now, I ask that you please leave me alone and do not come here to find me.  Also please don’t send any of your secret service people – I really want to be left alone for a while with no vampires looking over my shoulder.

I saw what happened to you at the warehouse – and I am truly sorry for leaving at this time.  If you hate me for leaving at a time when you got hurt, well there is nothing I can do – it was just bad timing I guess.  You are kind of like superman and I am sure you will be fine and I wish you a speedy recovery.  In the mean time, once again, thank you for everything you have done for me, and good luck.

Love,

Clarissa