A Letter to Alice Everly Whitlock
Dear Whit,
If you're reading this, it probably means I'm not there with you anymore.
I didn't exactly plan things out the way you would. You always did think three steps ahead.
Me? I went with the moment. Maybe that's what made you roll your eyes at me… and maybe that's what made you smile too.
I remember the first time you called me "Blackcap." You were so annoying. And so beautiful. And so alive. And I hate it.
I wrote this not because I wanted to say goodbye. You know how much I hate goodbyes—God forbid. But there were things I needed to say, things I couldn't tell you when we were underneath the willow tree, or sitting beside a campfire pretending the world outside didn't exist.
First is thank you. Not just for saving me from the Others—you saved the version of me that was already fading. The angry, lost, half-a-man who didn't believe in anything anymore. You made me feel like I belonged, like I wasn't just another stray dude with a gun and a dog with nowhere to go. And for someone like me, that meant everything.
I don't know if I'll make it through what's coming. If I don't, I need you to know that being with you, even for that short time, was the best part of my life.
I always said I wasn't afraid to die, but I was wrong. I'm afraid of dying without you knowing how much you mean to me. So if the time ever comes where you have to read this, promise me one thing: don't carry me like a ghost. Carry the hope we built—the laughs, the fights, the stupid arguments about whether or not my shirt smelled (it didn't, by the way). Carry that. Please.
Also, you don't have to forgive me for leaving. Just know I did it because you were worth saving.
Tell Hunter I'm sorry I didn't make it back. Tell my family back in the town of Kelm I love them, if you can.
And you, Whit… keep shining. Even if I'm not there to see it. If I ever get the chance to live a million lives, I swear I'll choose every single one if it means I get to witness you smile in it.
Because this timeline? Geez, it wasn't enough.
I hate how short it was. But if time ever gives me another chance… I'll find you again. Always.
And if someday you feel a breeze through your hair or hear the faint rustle of the leaves… maybe that's just me saying I love you.
Take care of Hunter for me, okay?
— Blackcap