Echoes Into Eternity

IV

All of them were signed by his parents. His parents, who had abandon him. His parents, whom he never knew, but still spoke of with respect and awe. Owen didn't mention his parents often, but when he did, I could see the ache in his eyes mixed with the love he had for them. I never understood how he could admire then after they left him--

The letters. They enticed Owen to love his parents, despite the life they had put him in.

I sorted through the paper with shaking hands, putting them in chronological order. I tried to catch my breath as I reopened the first one. My soul thirsted for peace, it longed to know the part of Owen's life that had left him torn. I wanted to have something left to hold on to.

Dear Owen Jepth,

For some time, you will not be able to read or understand these words that we are writing to you. Currently, your mother is a bit shaken. Technically, it's me, your father, who's doing the writing. Today, we hand you off to our trusted friend, Grant, who will raise you in the mortal world as well as educate you about our community.

Son, I cannot tell you how proud I am to be your dad. You are so special in our eyes, and we know you will do big things. The possibilities for you are limitless-- especially when you are able to come back to us. Our lives will never be complete until you enter them once again.

We will always be thinking of you. Stay safe. Stay with Grant.

Love,

Mom & Dad

I scanned the letter twice, then concluded that it was peculiar. Why would they refer to this world as "mortal"? Did they have a grand secret that I had missed somehow? Wouldn't Owen have told me?

My curiosity soared. I had already taken the next letter from the box when the guilt hit me. Would Owen have wanted me to see this?

He was gone, though. Just knowing couldn't hurt me.

Dear Owen Jepth,

Today, you would be two years old. I cannot imagine how much you've grown! Grant told me in his last letter that you're beginning to talk and run around everywhere. Which is good, he needs to be kept on his toes. This time, it is your mother writing to you. Dad had to be at a Council meeting, and asked me to write this time. Of course, I said I would!

While I long to raise you as you should be, your father misses you more than he will ever say. He also asked me to explain a few things, so allow me to do that for you.

When you are seventeen, you will be allowed to come back to us. It is your choice whether you want to or not, but I selfishly hope that you will. You are called to such a higher purpose than mortality. Living forever not only allows you to experience everything, it also lets you understand and process how important our role is.

Anyway, I hope your birthday is especially wonderful this year. I love you more than you know.

Love,

Mom & Dad

My mind spun. How was this possible..? It couldn't be.

I grabbed the next letter.

Dear Owen Jepth,

This year, we are finally writing this together. We decided, even though you are hardly old enough to understand, that you should know what there is to know about our lives.

While we would love to come and bring you back right at this second, the system has to be fair, despite our parental values. Allow us to explain--