Dear Little Girl

Please don't cry now. Please don't be afraid. I don't understand everything that is happening inside of you, but I want to assure you that you are safe right now. You are. You really are. I do my best. I know I am not quite enough for you all by myself right now, and I'm so soooo sorry for that, but we're not alone. My husband is here. I chose him differently and he is good. He has had 13 years to prove it and he hasn't let us down. He won't. He would die first (and he isn't going to die). He won't leave us and he will never hurt us. He loves us and would do anything and everything to protect us. I hope you know that. The bigger truth though, is that the bad people are all gone. Some went away, some died, and I took us away from the rest. I did it because I love you and I will keep you safe from them. They can't hurt you now. You are safe here with me and I won't let ANYONE hurt you. If you don't believe me, just ask Rambo. He won't lie to you and he will do ANYTHING for you. ANYTHING. Please don't be afraid. We have everything if you really think about it. We have a good man, nice children, no one is ill, we have enough money and a safe home... there is even a new therapist who keeps emailing me and promising that he will not leave you no matter what kind of confusion might exist with the grown-ups. I think I believe him. Maybe you are sad because your mother is on vacation? He will be okay and he will come back. Please do not despair. I want you to come to sleep with me and know that you are safe. Rambo and Jenny will keep you safe. They are your real parents and I love them both. We have things to discuss, but we all love each other very much. Please don't be afraid. I need to take a really quick shower and wash our face. You don't want it to get haggard, right? Of course not. Then we will go back to bed. I will put on a movie just for you and I will even set it to go to your music when it's over. Please don't cry now. It's going to be okay. I PROMISE. You know I don't make promises lightly. Rest assured, little girl. You can sleep and no one will hurt you. Rambo would deal quite swiftly with anyone who would. And there is NO ONE here who would. You are safe now. It's 2010. Florida, honey - a warm, safe place just like you always dreamed! I made that happen. I brought you to safety and you are okay now. I am not perfect, but you can trust me. Please don't be afraid. Please. Just rest with me. It's safe here. You're safe now and everything's going to be alright.