Dear Betty

I know there will never be a day within my life that I do not feel guilt and shame for leaving you. I had to run, you understand, right? You can’t imagine the thoughts racing through my mind while I hid in those bushes. I couldn’t think of a way to help you, to get you out of there, to save you as I had myself. I was helpless, Betty. I know you must feel like I abandoned you, like I left you alone. Had I been there to even the load, I know our unity in fighting this battle could have ebbed the pain, if only a little. As you hobbled into court with the aid of your nurse I could not help to cringe and think, “She has suffered doubly on account of my cowardice.” I know you would say I was only doing what was human, but I see myself as weak and afraid. In my eyes, Betty, you are the true hero, she who carries more strength than I could ever even attempt to muster. If I had been by your side, would you have perhaps been saved an arm, or an extra day within the hospital? Or the bruise upon your breast, could my presence have prevented it from being so hideously large? I will never forgive myself for leaving you alone. What you have gone through has touched me so sincerely that it almost feels as if I myself have been raped. If only I were there with you to have shared the burden. Please forgive me.

Your friend forever,

Edna