Daniel sat alone in his dimly lit apartment, staring at the unopened letter on his desk. His fingers trembled as he reached for it, his heart pounding. He recognized the handwriting—Sophia’s. It had been five years since she had left, disappearing without a trace. Now, out of nowhere, this letter had arrived.
His mind raced. Should he open it? Should he even read the words of the woman who had shattered him?
Taking a deep breath, he tore the envelope open. The scent of lavender, her favorite, drifted into the air. His hands shook as he unfolded the paper and began to read:
*"My dearest Daniel,
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I need to tell you the truth before it’s too late. Five years ago, I had to leave, not because I wanted to, but because I had no choice. I was sick, Daniel. I didn’t want you to watch me fade away, to see me at my weakest. I thought I was sparing you pain. But in doing so, I caused you even more. For that, I am sorry.
I fought, I truly did. But now, my time is running out, and there are things you should know.
Every day, I missed you. Every night, I dreamt of you. I never stopped loving you. And I never will. Please, don’t let my absence define you. Find happiness again. Love again. Live.
Goodbye, my love.
Forever yours, Sophia."*
Daniel’s vision blurred as tears welled in his eyes. His chest tightened. She had been sick all along, and he had spent years hating her, believing she had abandoned him.
He clenched the letter, holding it close to his heart. Regret swallowed him whole. He wanted to scream, to turn back time, to tell her he would have stayed, no matter what. But it was too late.
The next morning, he visited the cemetery. Sophia’s name was carved into the stone, the date of her passing just weeks before the letter had arrived.
With shaking hands, he placed a single white rose on her grave. "I never stopped loving you either," he whispered, his voice breaking. "And I never will."
The wind carried his words away, but deep down, he hoped she heard them.