Chapter 744

The letter read:

[Dear Irene, I will be leaving. Don't come looking for me—I'm an adult who can take care of myself.]

[I'm sure this letter would surprise you, but I have to tell you that I've thought this through.]

[I've actually heeded your advice, and I found it to be true. I've also read that chasing after butterflies never work—one should instead plant flowers to draw it to you, and it was more or less the same as what you said: be successful, and draw that butterfly I love to me.]

[I don't know if I would actually make it, but I just wanted to tell you that I'm determined to make something for myself, and I won't be coming back before I succeed.]

[I know that I would have a better chance if I stayed with you, especially with my brother-in-law's help—but I don't want to be helped. I want to see how far I can go myself, if I'm a person who has what it takes to build something for himself.]

[I just might be too ashamed to return if I fail, but you have nothing to worry about