Sorry, Darlings.

[Spooky!]

Hi darlings,

Selfish as it is, I'm writing this to let you all know that I'm going to be away for a few days. Not for any particular reason, or even a call to duty; it's selfish because I'm doing it purely because I desperately need some time to myself. A lot of shite has been building up in the last forty eight hours alone, if not in the past week or so since I've realised that some important and none too pleasant dates in my life are coming up. But that being said, perhaps I owe those of you who I've come to care for something of an explanation. I don't want a pity party, please; it's just a simple recounting of why I'm abandoning the people I'm posting with and enjoy posting with for no apparent reason. Even for a few days.

First off...if you've ever lost a father, or a father-figure, or hell, even someone THAT important in your life, you'll know that at certain times of the year, life can be tough. Birthdays, Christmas, the day they died...even randomly insignificant events that held meaning to you and that person can be hard. For me, that time is almost upon me. I had my Pop, you see. And he was the best man in the world - gentle, understanding, empathetic, accepting...a kind hand on your shoulder, so to speak. Yes, he had his flaws, like every man in this world does, but he was still the best man I knew. He was the man who took the place of paternal figure in my far too young life when my real father ran off and abandoned us for another woman and another life without a care in the world. He was also the man who stood on my side, always, when I felt I had no one else in this Universe there to give a real shite about me, and who helped me deal with my none-too-stable mother for most of my life.

He was Dad, really. Only, I called him Poppy. Losing him is the hardest thing I've ever had to face. Harder than even the hardest things I had in my less than idyllic childhood. Hell, if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't likely even be writing or roleplaying like I do. As it were, Christmas is coming up, as is the day he died, and I must admit that combined in the space of a couple of months is a bit overwhelming.

'Course, it's not just that, though the second issue I need time to deal with is kind of tied into it. My Uncle--no, he's not even that. He's the drug-dealing stoned loser prick who's connections cost me a promising career in TS Communications, purely because he had the hide to contact me and accuse me of being brainwashed of all things by the Forces the very night before the interviews that would make or break my chances in the Comms world. And now he's back in town, screwing my already struggling mother around in six different ways...and did I mention he ruined his father, my Pop's, funeral, two years ago? Pleasant fellow, is he not? So I just need a few days to deal with the shitstorm he's left behind too, unfortunately.

I must confess, too, that the ever present (if at the back of my mind) possibility of deployment to a war zone is preying closer to the fore of my mind, too. It likely - hopefully - will not happen, as I've only just recovered from a service-related injury and might not be deemed fit, but I've still been short-listed for the next shindig to this wonderful, hot, spacy place of luxury...you might know it as Afghanistan. On Boxing Day, of all things. One of my mates has just been sent over there, which is nice, I suppose. Still, if I'm lucky, and I probably will be, it won't happen. They'll give it to someone fitter and healthier. But regardless, I've been told to keep an ear to the ground, just in case. This job is wonderful like that; it's all about the just-in-case's. I'm still wetting myself in fear.

That being said, loves, I'm going to be okay. I'll just be away for a few days. Need some time to get my thoughts in some kind of order. Kick a few asses. The usual. If the earth doesn't open up and swallow me and my character accounts, I'll definitely be back next week after weekend duty.

This will affect Tonks, Jake Keisinger, and Narcissa Malfoy.

Much love to you all,

(The Recently Promoted, Whoo!) Spooky.

P.S. If you need to talk to me, feel free to get on one of my Instant Messengers. I'll be there when I'm not on duty and reply, I promise. ^^

[Lakin!]

Thank you for letting us know! Hope these few days off help you out! I totally understand last weekend would have been my ex finace and I's five year anniversary... hense why I haven't been able to respond to much... Anywho, have a good couple of days!