I
A Letter
stood there, in the half empty room. The furniture was covered in dust sheets as though ghosts were roaming about on Halloween. The day was quiet and quaint; a brilliant blue sky juxtaposing the somber mood that drowned the empty house. My knees met with a field of fuzz below me. Running my fingers through the rug, I reached for a closed envelope.
when I found out you were married as well! To a good man no less, from a prominent family in the city. You have every right to thank your mother for your charms. Your grandmother as well; her compassion and determination shines through you. You must be wondering how I know this. I have done my share of investigating, my dear. Lucille, our longtime family friend, had kept me informed on your well-being throughout the years. Guilt is a rather burdensome companion, for who could November 18-only be thwarted by me knowing you were all-right. To My Daughter: Only on one occasion had I the opportunity to see You’ve left years ago, yet I can still hear you you once more. I hope you’ll forgive me for denying running around the halls playing God knows what myself the chance; I did not want to break what was while the nanny tried to catch you. Or how you already healed. used to dance around the piano while your mother, I have seen you smile- for at least once in my God rest her soul, played Beethoven- or something miserable existence- I have seen a true smile, just of the like. as when you were younger. That is enough for me. I did not want you to leave. You weren’t I hope this letter will be enough for you. By the supposed to. time you are reading this letter, I will likely have I want to say you had no right to leave me, but succumbed to my illness and be with your mother. you did. You had every right. I cannot say that I That is, if I have any right to be up there with her. was there for you, nor can I say that I was anywhere I am not a changed man; many of my near an exemplary father- the father you deserved. disagreeable habits still follow me— or rather I I spewed violent things while drunk, some which, follow them. I was simply a blind man, not seeing as hard it is for me to confess, I truly meant. what was once in front of him. I did not want to believe you left me. I denied Do me a favor my dear, please smile before you it for a long time, shaming you, cursing you. But I discard this letter. I would like to see you happy was wrong. I treated you poorly and inhumanely. one last time. I paid no mind to your welfare. I was ignorant and should not have placed such expectations on you; A quiet loneliness hugged my chest tight. I sat you were merely a child. there, wondering the possibilities of what could But oh, my dear Beau, I am truly very proud of have been, my mind spinning like how I used to you- and just as happy. And when I saw your smile! dance around the piano. Oh that precious smile that reminds me of your I wish this was what he said. mother, I knew it was all for the best. And to think Victoria Correa, 12 short story
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