500 Words 2023: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

<500 Words< Finalists< 8-11

This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2023.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

The Forgotten Letter by Erdin A.

Once upon a time in a quiet, picturesque village, there lived an elderly woman named Evelyn. She was known far and wide for her kindness and her beautiful garden that bloomed with vibrant colours in every season. But Evelyn had a secret that weighed heavily on her heart-a letter she had written decades ago, never sent.

The letter was addressed to her childhood sweetheart, Samuel. They had been inseparable as children, exploring the woods, sharing secrets, and promising each other eternal friendship. As they grew older, their friendship deepened into love, and they dreamed of a future together. Life had other plans for them. Samuel's family moved away when they were teenagers, and their letters gradually stopped.

Evelyn never stopped loving Samuel, but the pain of his absence was too much to bear. She locked her feelings away and decided to move on. She married a kind man named Henry, with whom she had a loving family. But the letter she had written to Samuel still remained hidden.

One afternoon Evelyn sat in her garden, raking leaves and reminiscing about her past, she noticed a tattered corner of the letter peeking out from an old, dusty chest. Her heart ached with the regret of never sending the letter. She decided it was time to finally send her long-lost message.

Evelyn carefully unfolded the letter and read the heartfelt words she had penned so many years ago. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized that her love for Samuel had never faded. With trembling hands, she addressed an envelope and mailed the letter to the last address she had for him.

Weeks passed, Evelyn anxiously checked her mailbox hoping for a response. One sunny morning, a letter arrived she tore it open, and tears of joy streamed down her face as she read Samuel's words. He hadn't forgotten her either. He had moved far away but had never stopped thinking of her, he'd made a mistake leaving.

As weeks turned into months, Evelyn and Samuel rekindled their friendship through letters. They discovered that they still had a deep connection, and the love they had once shared never truly faded.

One summer day, Samuel arrived in Evelyn's village, and they embraced. It felt as if time had never passed. They spent their days reminiscing, exploring childhood haunts, and falling in love all over again. Evelyn's family welcomed Samuel with open arms.

Evelyn and Samuel spent the rest of their lives together, making up for the lost time. They married, tended to Evelyn's beautiful garden together, and created new memories that surpassed their fondest childhood dreams. Their love story became legendary in the village, a testament to the power of second chances and the enduring nature of true love.

In the end, the forgotten letter had bridged the gap of time and distance, bringing two souls back together. It was a reminder that sometimes, it's never too late to express one's feelings. Love, once found, can be cherished for a lifetime.

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