Goodbye Letter to Quinelle From Her Father

About four years after her mother leaves, Quinelle’s father also runs off, leaving behind a goodbye letter and some guilt offerings.

She is 14, Qeah 10.

In my character analysis of her father (still to be named), I will try to explain why he, a seemingly gentle man, abandons his family (whether or not this info is revealed to Quinelle or Qeah remains to be seen).

10/31/05

Baby girl,

I don’t know how to sugarcoat what I’m about to say, so I’ll just blurt it out.

I must leave you girls for a while.

You’re an amazing kid, with a solid head on your shoulders; I know you’re capable of overcoming great obstacles, even at your age, and now I must ask you to take on responsibilities way beyond your years.

Please don’t tell anyone that you and Qeah are temporarily alone. I can’t tell you why right now, but it’s very important that you two keep this to yourselves.

I sincerely hope you can do this for me–and without telling Qeah why.

I have enclosed information about a savings and checking accounts (Qahog National Bank, downtown branch); I have also left a full checkbook of pre-signed checks and an ATM card in your name. You will find these items in the safe, combination with account info.

Please be careful and keep them, at all times, locked up.

You can use the checks for school fees and other occasions that won’t raise suspicions with Social Services, the card for withdrawing cash from an ATM.

I wish I could leave you with relatives, but you know that’s not possible.

I’m not sure when I’m coming back, probably long before your money runs out.

But remember this: I love you both.

Love,

Daddy