The Letter

“Dear Ms. Lady,

We would like to welcome you to our University... Enclosed is a complete package which should be returned by…”. She sits reading the letter over and over again. Confused and overwhelmed with sadness as she ponders – What am I going to do?

Six months ago, all she thought about was the day she was to leave home and embark on a life she’d only seen in movies and read in books. Living away from home for the first time, away from everything familiar, was all she ever wanted. To be on her own, live among her peers, discover new places, new things, experiment, succeed, fail, become a woman. She could savor the freedom like a cold glass of water on a hot summer day. The thought of packing, shopping for supplies, new boots, a coat, saying goodbye – refreshed her, gave her the energy to keep going when it seemed hopeless. Her circumstances didn't provide the financial support needed to make her dreams come true. Still, she knew it was possible through other means. It meant working harder, and she welcomed the challenge. Her brown eyes glimmered, her smile radiated, her breath shortened from excitement, not only when she spoke of her plans but also when she thought about them. But why does this seem so difficult now? A decision made years ago, which she's been working towards, what appears to have been her entire life until this moment.

As if it were yesterday, the words ring in her ear, soft, sweet yet firm – "Do you have the time?" As if it were a moment ago, she sees herself turn around to look into his beautiful hazel-green eyes with a smile on her face. Eyes she had seen before, but this day there was something different about them. Like a scene out of a low-budget romance film, it was the beginning of a love story. The endless phone conversations about everything and nothing, neither wanting to be the first to say goodnight. Moments of silence when only the breathing spoke, expressing the longing for tomorrow when they would see each other again. Daily outings, walking around the city without a destination as long as they were together. Summer days were spent in the park sitting by the lake laughing. Nights sitting on a bench anywhere, both gloomy in silence because it was time. Time to go home, separately. The ridiculous disagreements that ended in "I'm sorry, I was wrong, no I was wrong." They were too young to know their feelings. They were growing together. They were strangers, became best friends, and grew to be in love. He moved her more than she could have ever imagined. It wasn't just his charm and outlook on life; it was his smile, his touch, his honesty, his silence. A silence that spoke loudly and expressed all that was real. As she sits, realizing this decision will affect the rest of her life, he sits at home thinking of her.

“How do I tell her how I’m feeling? How can I ask her to stay when I know how much she wants to go?” Laying on his bed, lights dimmed, the best of the Smiths soundtrack playing on the stereo, he begins to write-

The silent night spoke to me because I couldn’t sleep, up all night with thoughts of you. When my eyes close, I see that which brings a feeling of warmth and promise. Lovely Lady, you are my secret from this world. You are the one I can't stop thinking of; your beautiful face and charming smile are on my mind both night and day…If my heart were removed, I would still feel with my thoughts of you… I want you to be my purpose in life from now until the sun sets for the last time!.."

How can I leave now? When I have found all that is real. All that makes me whole. I will stay not for him but for me. I will stay and become a woman differently. – She decides as he seals his letter and finally closes his eyes as the morning sunshine sneaks in through the shades.