To Vin

Vin,

I can't lie to you and say that I agree with your decision to go to Appalachia. While I admire persistence and the need to follow through on a cause, I only adhere to that mentality when the cause is just. To put it simply, it seems like you're barking up the wrong tree. But you're a grown man now. It's your life, your choices.

That being said, however, your absence here at City Hall will certainly be felt. One dimension to that is your work ethic and dedication. You've done a lot for this city, and that work certainly didn't go unnoticed.

The other side to it is...sentimental. We don't have a whole lot of folks willing to help out, as you know. So it's a pretty small group of us here, and it becomes a bit like a family. I don't say this easily, but in time, I came to look at you as if you were my own son. While I can't speak for her, I know Frieda feels the same way. Had things taken a different turn, I would've liked for you to have taken the reigns of mayor from me one day. But we can never predict how life turns out, can we?

Despite this, I know you have an obligation to your own kin. I wish you the best in the rolling green hills and endless blue skies of Appalachia. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for this city, son. Just know that if you ever decide to return, you will always be welcome in the municipal office.

Sincerely,

Tim Lane