I've been in a dark place for years now... I've decided it's time to do some soul-searching. And to do that, I need to distance myself from the life I've been living.

No idea how long I'll be gone, but I've got to find some hope and peace in my life. If I find some, I'll be back to tell you all about it. But be forewarned, I might be a different person by then.

"I'll be back."

EDIT: ...No, that's not right. Truth is, I might never come back. And even if I do, you might not like me anymore because, when I say "distance myself from the life I've been living," I mean really distance it. The reality is, I've decided to re-dedicate my life to Christ. I was born and raised in a Christian household, I'm familiar with their principles, and lately they've been making a lot of sense to me. Don't misunderstand me, I don't want to do this, but there are a lot of things about my old life that don't align with Christianity. And I'm tired of living an empty life with no hope for the future. I'm convinced that, if Christianity is mistaken, if God isn't real, then there's no point in any of this! You work and struggle and suffer through life, and for what? A comfortable retirement before you die? The end? I'd rather be dead. At least Christianity offers hope and purpose.

Tapewolf, Merlin, let me especially apologize to you both. You've both been very good to me. But it has to be this way. I've got to find some purpose in my life, before I wind up like Heshi (Remember him, from Matilda's story?). I'm giving Ben and my other characters over to you two. You are free to use them, ignore them, or throw them away as you see fit. I'll be sending you both a note with my e-mail. If you want to tell me bye, mock me, curse me, whatever, that's where you'll find me.

Farewell.