I sat amidst the dusty treasures, the locket still clutched in my hand, as Rachel and her mom watched with gentle smiles. The letters, tied with a faded ribbon, beckoned me to untie them, to unravel the secrets within.
As I unbound the letters, a faint scent of lavender wafted up, carrying with it whispers of the past. The first letter, dated twenty years ago, was from my mother to my father. I recognized her handwriting, the same flowing script that had adorned my childhood birthday cards.
The letters chronicled their love story, from tender moments to heart-wrenching arguments. I read of their dreams, their fears, and their ultimate heartbreak. With each page turned, I felt the weight of their love and loss settling upon me.
One letter, in particular, caught my eye. It was from my mother, written just before she left. The words blurred as tears welled up, but I forced myself to read on:
"My dearest, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for the pain I've caused. I have to leave, for your sake, for our child's sake. Please forgive me. Please remember me with love, not sorrow. Yours always, Elizabeth."
I felt the attic spin around me, the letters scattering like autumn leaves. Rachel's gentle touch on my shoulder brought me back to the present.
"You okay?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded, still trying to process the emotions swirling within me. The letters had uncovered a piece of my past, but they'd also raised more questions. Why had my mother left? What secrets had she taken with her? And what did it all mean for me, now?
YOU ARE READING
Hidden Word
FantasyWhen a young woman discovers a mysterious locket and an ancient text, she uncovers a hidden world of magic and mystery. As she delves deeper into the secrets of the Guardians of the Oak, she must confront her own destiny and the weight of her family...
