Dear Skyler

January 7, 2022

Dear Skyler,

Don’t know if you still live here, but hopefully, you do. Just wanted to tell you that I miss you. It has been far too long since I have seen your face. Two years. I’ve realized a lot of my mistakes in that time. I’m sorry for hurting you in so many ways. I planned on writing sooner, but I didn’t have the courage. I still don’t. But I’m working on that. I’m working on a lot of things. I’ve also learned that I love teaching music and that’s what I do now. I started working at a local studio in San Jose, California. I know you always loved the piano. Do you still play?

Anyway, if you do even read this, I do want to make it up to you. Please reach out to me. I know I’m probably the last person you might want to talk to. Just…give me one more chance. And if I mess up again, I’ll never reach out again.

Sincerely,

Luke

February 10, 2022

Dear Skyler,

Hope this finds you safe. I’ve written so many letters to you, hoping that one day I can fix what I have broken between us. But I seem to never send them. So here it goes. Skyler, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. The moment I met you was the best day of my life. And you warned me to stay away from the bar and the gambling. I didn’t listen. I lost so much because of my foolishness. Yes, I lost money, but it hurt me most when I lost you. You gave me so many second chances, but I still ended up drunk every week. I hurt you. And I’m sorry.

I’m better now. I stopped drinking. And I haven’t wasted a dime on gambling since the night you left. I’ve been working on getting better ever since. I hoped one day I could come back if you would have me. I started working at a place called “Connection Studio” where I teach people how to play guitar. It’s not as grand as being famous, but it’s better than nothing. Do you still play in an orchestra? You were always the best on stage!

I don’t mean to ramble. I don’t even know if you will read this. If you get this far, please write back. I will work to make things better. I promise. If you are willing to give me one last chance, I will not let you regret it. I have corrected my mistakes and I hope that you will be able to see the change.

With love and hope,

Luke

May 17, 2022

Dearest Luke,

I have yearned to hear from you again. I think of you every single day. Luke, I have waited day and night for the moment that you would reach out again. I am so sorry that I walked out of your life. I was young and scared. I’ve had some time to think since then. And I decided that, if ever given the opportunity, I would give you another chance. Luke, I have loved you ever since we shared that coffee that you so conveniently spilled on yourself. Hearing that you have changed is a lot to take in. We had a lot to work through, but if you are honest in what you said, then we can try again. I am willing to try again. But I need you to promise me that you won’t ever push me away and that you will never leave. There’s something you need to know.

Luke, I didn’t leave because I needed a safe place. I left because I wanted a safe place for our child. You have a daughter. And I can’t wait for you to meet her. Her name is Crystal, named after your mom, just like you always talked about. I should have told you, maybe we could have worked it out two years ago…

Luke, she needs you here. And if you are willing, then you can meet her. I’m willing to try again. And I will love to try again with you.

With much love,

Skyler

May 30, 2022

Dear Skyler,

I…I don’t know what to say. My heart is filled with pain to have caused you to leave. And yet there is hope for a new, brighter future. I would love to meet again. Tell Chrystal I love her. Tell her that her father is coming back.

Skyler, when do you want to meet? I will make it work, just name the day and place. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms again.

Love,

Luke

June 2, 2022

Dear Skyler,

My last letter seemed to not reach you. They sent it back in the mail. Hopefully, this reaches you okay.

I would love to meet you and Crystal. Just let me know when you can meet. I am free whenever you want. I’ll make time.

Love,

Luke

June 23, 2022

Dear Luke Walker:

You are receiving this letter on account of the death of Skyler Freeman on May 27, 2023. Cause of death: accident.

Crystal Walker, a nineteen-month-old girl, was identified as your daughter in the accident. We are caring for her, awaiting your arrival.

Deep apologies,

Amanda Lewis

Head of Child Protective Services; Sacramento CA

June 1, 2023

Dear Skyler,

It’s been a year…um…thought I would write you one last letter. Crystal is growing so fast, and I know she’s going to grow up to be as beautiful as you. I miss you so much. But I see you when I look at our daughter.

I made mistakes before we met. I made mistakes when I was with you. And I know I will make more with Crystal. But I’m not giving up, and I’m not leaving her. Skyler, if I could retry everything, I’d do it differently. I would have been there for you…before you were ripped from my fingers. The day I found out about the accident was…I felt responsible. I should have been there. I’m sorry.

Now I am raising our daughter. I have learned many things and often ask my parents for help with her. My one goal is to make sure that Crystal knows you love her. And I will live every day to fulfill that goal.

I love you, Skyler. There will never be another I love more. And I pray my actions will prove that, even though you are gone, I can show my love to our child. Thank you for giving me a second chance. I won’t let you down.

Your love,

Luke Walker