Long Distance Love Letters

W.L.I.T

Anne woke up early the next morning. She immediately registered the fact that it was Christmas day, but she couldn't bring herself to be excited. Her heart was still in pieces.

She slowly got out of bed and went to the window. She opened it and leaned out, seeing her breath as she exhaled.

"Dear Snow Queen, is life lonely without a mate?"

She didn't have time to listen to the answer because Marilla called her down for breakfast.

Despite her burdened mind, Anne allowed herself to enjoy Christmas morning with Marilla and Matthew. They had a special breakfast and opened a few presents.

Anne helped Marilla clean up then asked, "Do you think I could go on a walk?"

Marilla gave her a surprised look. "I suppose so. Are you alright?" Anne had told her everything about the previous day.

Anne nodded. "I just need to clear my head."

She put on her coat, gloves, and hat before heading out the door.

She tucked her hands into her pockets as she walked.

She hated telling Gilbert she never wanted to see him again. She didn't mean it, but she felt it was the only way to make him go back. She didn't want to be the only thing holding him somewhere that he didn't want to be. There at least had to have been a friendship between him and the girl who kissed him. Despite how in love Anne was with Gilbert, maybe his friend  was a better match for him. She was probably also studying to become a doctor, meaning she must be ambitious. She was probably a lot prettier.

Maybe Gilbert would be happier without Anne.

When she finally became alert again, she raised her gaze and gasped.

She had unknowingly arrived at the story club, which was no longer in ruins. Someone had rebuilt it took look even more glorious than it had previously. Before it had been destroyed, it was already partly collapsed. Now, it looked like a tiny house, standing tall and proud in its glory, vines beautifully covering the sides.

Anne's eyes filled with happy tears as she let out a shuddering breath.

She walked around to the door. Above the frame was a sign with twigs arranged in a way that read:

Story Club. 1896-Forever
W.L.I.T
We live in truth.

Overwhelmed, she glanced down. Level with the doorknob was another sign that read:

A home for kindred spirits

Anne laughed softly through her tears. She opened the door and stepped inside.

Beautiful wood floors existed under her feet. There were a few chairs and multiple candles.

Anne wiped away a tear. This was beyond anything words could describe, which was significant considering her extensive lexicon.

Suddenly, her eyes caught on something resting on one of the chairs. A letter.

Her hands shaking, she picked it up and sat down before beginning to read.

My dearest Anne,
You told me you never wanted to see me again and I respect your wishes. However, I couldn't just leave wordlessly. I decided this was the most I could do.
Finding this story club was one of the steps I took in realizing that you were the only one that would ever be right for me. And to this day, I still feel the same.
I am so sorry that I didn't tell you as soon as I got home. I knew how badly it would hurt you and I couldn't bear the thought of it. I still should have told you. I have made up my mind to cut ties with Hazel. She genuinely didn't know I was in a relationship and it was my fault for not telling her, but it would hurt too much to be reminded that I lost you because of my mistake.
Anne, I love you more than I ever thought I could ever love anyone. You are my soulmate and the idea of losing you breaks me beyond repair. However, it is your wish and I could never deny you what you need. I will miss you more than you can imagine. Maybe one day, later in life, we'll meet again.
Forever yours,
Gilbert
P.S. I hope you like the renovations I made to the story club. Merry Christmas.

Anne wiped her cheek as a tear fell on the paper. Her heart felt like it was being tore into by imaginary claws. Yet, it was also full of love.

"My sweet Gilbert," she whispered to herself, experiencing an anagnorisis. "What have I done?"

With that, she got up and started running toward the Blythe house.

She started running towards the love of her life.