When the letter was delivered, it was postmarked ten years late. She wondered how on earth it finally came to her. As she turned and walked back to the living room her thoughts began to flourish. The return address was his, the one she was suppose to marry. Afraid of what the content of the envelope had she placed the letter on the coffee table turned and walked towards the kitchen to continue with her daily routine.

Rebecca let her mind wonder as she picked up a glass to wash it. Looking into it she thought “what would have happened if she had married him.” How different would her life have been? She continued washing dishes until the last was done, walked over to the table and picked up the letter.

She sat down on the sofa, relaxing, was very rare for her. The children would be home from school soon. She held the letter close to her heart and whispered as if he could hear her. “I hope it worked out for you and that you’re happy” and began to read.

My dearest Rebecca, by the time you receive this letter I will be gone, but I had to write this letter just to set a few things straight. He continued on with soft words of endearment as if he was there talking to her. He explained the reason for his departure, which she never understood. The loneliness he felt and the reason he never came back to get her as they had planned. She wanted to put the letter down but she couldn’t so she continued to read. He went on to explain that although the years would take them in different directions it would be for the best. He had not meant to hurt her, and hoped that getting over him was easier than what he had gone through. As she continued to read Rebecca could not believe he had been married and had a child as a result of a night of passion with some other girl. The night they had planned to meet he found out that the other girl was having his child. She stopped reading for a moment and thought “How could he have done this to her” He had not only played with her emotions but had hurt someone else’s feelings possibly breaking her heart because she was still in love with him.

She read the letter until she could read it no more. True, they had drifted apart the years took care of that. She had no feelings for him at all. She was very happy she met someone who loved and cared about her. She was satisfied with her life and had two beautiful children.

So she took the letter, tore it up, and got ready to receive her children and her husband who were on their way home………

Copyright © 2005 Mary Chapman