Dear Phoebe,

I don't know how much of a shock this will be to you, but I'm leaving. I'm also making a tentative promise to come back, if you'll have me, because I could never fully remove you and Leonis from my life, but I know this is the best decision for our family, for now.

Don't take this decision as something rash -- after all, when have I ever done something rash? I have put much thought into why I need to do this. I've weighed and measured everything I can, and when it comes down to the line, I know the reason that we haven't been terribly happy is because of me.

Phoebe, we married so young, because we thought we might not live, and I lied to you for such a long time. I dropped out of school, I've nearly died two times -- which are just the ones you know about -- and I've never had a decent job to provide for our family. Therefore, I'm making the decision to leave and find my purpose, fine my place, and get some credibility under my belt. All I've done is drag you down and that is not fair to you or Leonis.

Please, don't try to find me. I'll be in touch if anything dire should happen, which I doubt, but I need to do this -- we need me to do this, because we need me to become a wizard not a boy with his books and a wand.

I'm sorry if this distresses you. That is not my intention. I hope, one day, you can understand why I must do this. I love you, Phoebe. I always have. You will survive this and I will become everything that you've always wanted for me to be.