My dearest Laura,
I'm leaving this letter with Rachel to give to you after I'm gone. I'm far away now. In a quiet, beautiful place. Please forgive me for not saying goodbye before I left. Be well, Laura. Don't be to hard on the sisters. And Laura, about James... I know you hate him because you think he isn't nice to me, but please give him a chance. It's true he may be a little surly sometimes, and he doesn't laugh much. But Underneath he's really a sweet person. Laura... I love you like my very own daughter. If things had worked out differently, I was hoping to adopt you. Happy 8th birthday, Laura.
Your friend forever,
Mary