"I want you all to write letters to the people in your life now or who were previously in your life. Family, friends, anyone," the doctor explained, "Apologize, tell them how you feel, get it all out."

There was a collective groan from the group. My guess is they've done it before.

"A letter?" I asked, surprised at the suggestion.

"Yes, a letter," she nodded before dismissing everyone. "It would be best if they were done before Friday."

"Perfect…" I mumbled under my breath.

"We do it at least once a month," Spencer informed me, "I don't know how long you plan on staying but you might want to get used to it."

-

By the end of the week I had the majority of my letters complete. Elena, Jeremy, Stefan, Caroline, Bonnie, Tyler, Matt. I was stuck on Damon.

What do you say to someone after you've done what I've done? It won't change anything.

-

"How are your letters coming along?" Doctor Sanchez asked me.

I shifted on the couch, "I just have one left."

"Which one?"

"My boyfriend."

She nodded, jotting something down, "Why do you think his is taking so long?"

"Because I hurt him the most and I don't want to say the wrong thing."

"Is that the only reason?"

"Yeah," I nodded, "That's all."

-

"You can't be here," I shook my head, pulling my sweater tighter around myself.

"Yet I still am," he pointed out.

"Like I told Elena to tell you, I need time."

"That's the issue," he stepped closer, "Elena told me. Elena. You didn't have the common decency to tell me you were leaving yourself."

"You deserve better Damon and right now I can't be that for you. That's why I'm here!"

"I deserve better? Me? Are you insane?" Damon questioned, his eyes wide at the suggestion, "If anyone deserves better, it's you!"

I shook my head, crossing my arms, "Go home."

"That's not even the worst part. On top of you leaving without saying goodbye, you send me a letter? A letter?" he raised an eyebrow, holding up a wrinkled envelope, "I'm not reading that, Evelyn. If you have something to say to me, say it to me. Not on paper."

"Da-"

"No, I made my case. Now you have a choice, tell me what you want to tell me or I walk out of here."

"Turn around," I demanded.

"What?"

"I'll tell you what it says but you need to turn around," I repeated, "If I look at you I might cry and I'm honestly tired of crying."

His eyes softened at this and he turned to face the door slowly but reluctantly.

"Dear Damon…"

I had memorized the whole thing. I read it so many times making sure I hadn't said the wrong thing that it was now permanently embedded in my memory.

"I know you're probably pissed at me. I would be too. But I need you to understand something."

I let out a deep breath before continuing, "When I turned off my humanity I did awful things and I can't afford for that to happen again. I won't be able to handle it. That's why I left. I know I need to get better and I know I can get better but not on my own. I need help, actual help. Yes, I'm aware you're probably thinking how ridiculous I'm being. A vampire in a human hospital but they can help. They are helping. I've only been here a few weeks now and it's already making a difference."

"Part of the therapy is writing letters. Letters to our loved ones about anything we felt needed to be said or about a relationship that needed to be mended."

"I love you and it's because I love you that I needed to leave. I hurt you, I know I did. The things I said...I was awful. I love you, I do, I love you more than anything I've ever known. I need you to know that. I don't need you to forgive me, I don't deserve to be forgiven but I need you to understand this. If you're done with me and you've had enough, I can understand that. Hopefully I'll be home soon. Love, Evelyn."

He turned around and looked down at me with an expression I couldn't read, "I love you."

I couldn't help but smile as he leaned down and placed a kiss on my lips.

"As glad as I am to see you, you should probably go before we get caught."

"I think I'll risk it," he smirked before vamp speeding me up against the wall, a giggle escaping my lips.

-

My head rested against his chest as I listened to his breathing, "There's a vampire here."

"What?" he asked, shifting to look down at me, his arm tightening around me slightly.

"It's fine," I pointed out, "He doesn't know about me."

"And how did you find out about him?"

"A friend."

"A friend?"

I nodded, my head against his chest, "Maybe you'll meet her someday. You'll like her."

He pulled me tighter against his chest planting a kiss on the top of my head, "I'm sure I will."