by Brian Fleming

Created on: August 17, 2010

The letter.  The simple, white letter which forever changed my life.

I checked my mail that day, just like any other day.  Had I known there was blackmail hidden among my other friendly mail, I would not have grabbed the bundle of letters.  But I did grab everything from my mailbox.

The letter looked innocent enough, what with its Forever stamp in the top-right hand corner and informal computer printing on the front.  It was not until I had the inside letter unfolded in my hands did the true color of this mail dawn on me.

My in laws, those rich snobs, were suing for custody of my own and only child, Abagail. Passionately, the letter contained such phrases as, "In the best interest of Abagail," and "We know you'll understand".  This isn't love, this is blackmail.

Just because I work two part-time jobs doesn't make me a poor father.  The letter trembled in my hands.

"Daddy," a sweet voice called from behind the staircase banister, "Are you okay?"

I tried to  stop shaking as I turned and faced Abagail.

"Sure, baby, everything is alright," I tried to sound confident, the letter still clenched in my hands.  Abagail got up and came over.

With the naivety and beauty ten-year-old's naturally possess, she suddenly gave me a hug.

"I love you, Daddy," she said softly.

"I love you too, baby," I replied, barely holding back my tears.  Blackmail or not, Abagail was my daughter and always will be.

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