Love in simple things

Love and Hope

"Dear Jonah,

Celeste here. I am writing this as a part of a pen pal program from my library. I hope you still have faith in this life. I am lettering from Texas. Hope my words bring you peace. I am a 50-year-old woman. I lived my life to the fullest at this age. Believe it or not, I am sitting in a cafe right now, sipping on a beautiful espresso. It is crisp. I grew up as an orphan in a missionary. A very bad missionary. I studied psychology and became a therapist to heal my trauma as well. I own a small bookshop and volunteer to read books for blind children. I chose this path as a way to forgive myself for punishing myself for all these years. I am in a very peaceful place right now. I got myself a little dog, his name is Peaty. I met him in a park. He was an abandoned pet. That is it about me, I want to know more about you.

- Celeste"   -----

This is the letter sitting on my table for more than 15 days now. I didn't respond to that letter. I am in prison for robbery. I stole nearly 25000$ cash from a grocery store. I did that because. I don't have a reason. They took my cash and locked me up. I laugh at these penpal programs. They think that being raised in a bad missionary is somewhat traumatic. I grew up in a gang that murders people on the highway. Talk about trauma. After many letters more.

"Dear Jonah,

I am not receiving any replies from you. You might think that these programs are just another way to make you feel sorry for yourself. Or you might think it is a waste of time. Trust me, I have so many interesting things to write about. You are like my son. A son that I never had. Your life outside that prison is going to be amazing. If the time comes, I would be so happy to meet you someday and serve a meal for you. I am sending you a book called "A Thousand Splendid Suns" Please give it a read and write to me. I am waiting.

- Celeste"   -----

She has been writing to me for more than 2 months now. I am afraid if I don't reply that might get me into some sort of trouble. Some social workers are monitoring and observing. I should reply something.

"Dear Celeste,

I apologize for not writing back all this time. I was new to this pen pal program. Thank you for the book. I read it. It was amazing.

- Jonah"  -----

I didn't receive any letters from her after that. It has been nearly a month. I don't know if she received my reply or not. I lied about reading the book. Did she find that out? Maybe they are reading our letters and my behaviors are noted as well. I might as well read the book. But where is Celeste?

"Dear Celeste,

I apologize again for lying about reading the book, the first time. I read the book, for real, this time. It was truly a masterpiece. I admire the love, loss, and resilience of the woman in the book. I would love to receive another book from you soon.

- Jonah"  -----

I read the book again. And again. The book gave me a real comfort. I was moved by it every time. All these years, I never sat down to read a book before. Now, I am waiting for Celeste's letters. Her words comforted me in a very poignant way all these months. I know she would write back to me. She wouldn't abandon me. Her words never abandoned me. After two weeks, the guard walked in with a paper in his hands. I opened it as soon as he put it in my hands. 

"Dear Jonah"

These four walls never confined me before this point. I didn't have anyone who annoyed me with their love and words before. I am hoping that every day, I might still receive love and hope from her. Celeste, a name worth its word. 

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About the story

Welcome to "100 Days of Short Love Stories," where love comes alive! Each day, for the next 100 days, I will share a unique, heartwarming short story that explores the many dimensions of love. From sweet first encounters to bittersweet goodbyes, from fantasies to adventures, these stories will take you on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of love.

Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a daydreamer, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, there's something here for everyone. Join me on this adventure, and let's celebrate love! Love through my eyes.

About the author

📚 Fiction, YA, Romance, Fantasy, & Thriller Writer ✨ | Storyteller at heart ❤️ | Sharing my worlds, one tale at a time ✍️ | Follow for your next adventure!

Disclaimer

© Saranya G. All rights reserved. This story and its content are the intellectual property of the author. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief quotations in reviews. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

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