The book of Arthur.

[Arthur Coleman]

It's just a bible. Everyday it sits on his bedside table, the ribbon bookmark advancing slowly page by page. The bible is in almost perfect condition, despite the weathering it has endured over the course of many years. Cracks have started to appear like spiderwebs on the cover, and the glimmer of the deeply engraved letters at the front have started to fade, losing their luster. Slowly, but surely, the braille is starting to sink into the page from constant use.

But the word of God has served him well many times, and perhaps it would last a little bit longer for him.

[Arthur Coleman]

There is only one page that is dog-eared. It is the very last page of Revelations. There is a sloppy note carved into the last page, indented deeply so that even the ignorant could feel out the note letter by letter with clumsy fingertips.

And it begins beneath The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Dear Arthur,

I remember when you were everything I wanted in a man. You were caring, intelligent, honest, and so... understanding. And when I first met you I thought to myself,'How lucky I must be to find this man, because there is no one else like Arthur in the world, and even if there is, I'll never have another chance.'

And I don't know how to tell you this, but.. oh, Arthur, I found him. I found that other someone who has been waiting for me. I have that chance, and I have to take it. Because I love him, and I loved you once like you loved me. You understand, don't you? I know you do.. you always did. You always knew. You knew how good we were for each other... and how good we weren't.

You're a good man, Arthur. A good.. wonderful man, and I know that you'll find someone else that can make you happy. And I won't stand in the way of that--I won't let my sins taint you, because you're just too good for me.

Yours always,
Jenny