I'm supposed to write you a letter. I'm not sure what I should put inside. I've never been very good with words.

I'm on a plane back home. I'll see you in a couple of hours. The weather is nice. Your grandma will probably hate me for sticking her with you. You can be quite a pain in the ass sometimes, especially when you're forced to do things you don't want to, though I'm sure you're aware. Maybe I shouldn't say that because you may have to read this letter. I hope you won't, but you may have to. You may need to.

I don't want to talk about what I'm going to do (or what I've done, depending on when you read this). I know even if I don't succeed you'll finish what I've started and for that, I thank you, son.

I've had a strange dream, and it's what urged me to write this. You – we - were in a dark place, a void of some sort. You couldn't speak and I couldn't see you, just your outline, but I knew deep down it was you before you became you. Does this make sense ? We weren't father and son yet but I recognized you before you even knew me. Something in me ached for you and I didn't know why. It is still aching right now. It feels like something that happened but that I am yet to experience and now that I'm writing it I realize how little sense it is making.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

First, it's the rambling like an old man then you forget where you've put your keys and suddenly you can't live on your own anymore. I never thought I'd live so old as to see myself decay slowly. Soldier and Hero aren't professions where you're supposed to make it very long. I know you'll live to see a hundred years, though. You've got the will and the wits to do everything that needs to be done to ensure your survival. Yet I know there is kindness in your heart, however small and dim you may think it is. Don't let your past or what people think of you define who you'll be : no matter what happens, always keep going forward.

Your father

PS : One day I said I'll protect you no matter what happened. I'm sorry if I can't fulfill this promise.

Have the certitude that wherever I am I will always, always watch over you.

Your birth is the most wonderful thing that happened to me. I wouldn't be half of the man I am if it wasn't for trying to live up to the expectations of being a good father for you.

I love you, not despite everything, but because of it, your flaws and your iron will, your indomitable courage and your refusal to ever back down, how deeply you care and love when you let yourself care and love.

You're my son, Shoto. Nothing you did or will do will ever change that fact. You're a kind boy. I'm proud I am your father.

Don't be too harsh on yourself.

Grive, but don't use me as an excuse not to live your life.

At some point you'll need to let me go.