My hands nervously grip the envelope as I walk down the street to the post office. I could have easily made the 5-minute drive, but the weather is too beautiful to pass up. The leaves are just now changing to their vibrant fall colors, painting the town orange and red with the ones that have already fallen. Looking around, I notice that some people have already put up their Halloween decorations. I think back down to my letter and smile. There's a good chance James will already have his porch covered with fake spiders and skeletons by the time he gets my message.
I take a left turn to cut through the park, waving at the people that walk past me. It took a while, but I've grown accustomed to living in this small town. The faces I see every day are the same, giving me a warm sense of familiarity. Back in the big city, I would be lucky to see anyone more than once. Sometimes I do miss the city, with its bustling traffic during lunch rush, but the past two years have given me ample time to think. I hope he can see that when he opens this. Everything got so bad in the end; I can't remember the last time we spoke amicably. If think back hard enough though, I can still see the day he drove me out to the mountains to show me the leaves. That was the last time I saw him truly happy. And then I got so busy with work that I didn't even notice the relationship failing.
Walking through the park costs me a little time, but I don't mind. The closer I get to the post office the more anxious I become. I consider turning back and throwing the letter away. James would never know any difference. I stop and stand next to the duck pond, watching the wind make ripples in the still water. Suddenly, the letter feels heavy in my hands. I glance down at the address written on the back, hoping I got it right or that he hasn't moved. I couldn't imagine he would leave that house behind, but maybe he needed a fresh start like I did.
I take a deep breath and continue down the sidewalk. Just two more minutes and I will never have to see this letter again. Looking up and down the street, I quickly cross while no cars are coming. With the post office in sight I feel a little better. I will finally get closure once this is mailed and I'll be able to move on with my life. My hands reach for the lid on the outgoing mail bin and drop the letter inside. Without a second thought, I turn back around to walk home. I can already feel the stress release its hold on me, allowing me to breath freely for the first time in years. I might never get a letter back but at least I got to say goodbye. Making my way back towards the park, I watch more leaves fall with a new gust of wind. Change is just what I needed.
