The Forgotten Letter : Sad Love Story
Jennie sat alone at her kitchen table and the soft light from a single lamp casting a warm glow to her face. The table was filled with old letters, photographs and a faded envelope containing a name she hadn’t heard in years: “Paul.”
She took the envelope but her fingers were struggling slightly. It was folded and damaged, in sharp contrast to the neatly written address: “Paul Thompson, 415, New York, NY.” Her heart hurt as she recalls the day she wrote it.
Scene 1: College Campus, Spring 2015
The college campus was alive with the sounds of students laughing, distant conversations and leaves moving in the gentle breeze. Jennie and Paul sat under a large oak tree and their textbooks spread out in front of them, but their focus was on each other.
Paul leaned back against the tree, his eyes twinkling with trouble. “So, what’s your dream job after graduation?” he asked, a playful smirk on his lips.
Jennie’s eyes twinkled with excitement. “I’ve always wanted to become a journalist. Travel the world and share stories… What about you?”
Paul’s expression turned serious. “I want to make a difference, hopefully work in international development. Help those in need.”
Jennie reached over to squeeze his hand. “We will make it work. I’m sure we will.”
Paul smiled, his eyes relaxing. “Of course we will. We will be unstoppable.”
Their love appearing as limitless as the sky above them.
Scene 2: Jennie’s Dorm Room, Winter 2015
Jennie sat at her desk and started writing a letter under the dim lighting of a desk lamp. Her room was filled with the scent of vanilla candles and a slight hum from the heater. Her hands moved quickly as she put her heart out on paper.
“Dear Paul,” she wrote,
“I am so proud of you for receiving that job offer in New York. I know it’s a huge opportunity but I can’t help my uncomfort. I have never been this far away from you. Promise me to call every day. Promise me we’ll make it work.”
She sealed the letter and placed it in an envelope. As she looked around her room, she felt a sense of sadness at the thought of being separated from Paul.
Scene 3: Airport, Summer 2015
The airport was full with passengers with the noise of suitcases and the sound of announcements filling the air. Jennie stood beside Paul and her eyes filled with tears.
Paul hugged her tight. I’ll call you as soon as I land. Do not forget what we promised.”
Jennie replied by trying to hold back tears. “I understand. I will be waiting.”
Paul turned to board his flight. Jennie watched him leave, her heart felt heavy with the weight of their separation.
Scene 4: Jennie’s Apartment, Fall 2015
Jennie’s flat was a peaceful haven but the silence felt restricting. She sat on the couch, staring at her phone and waiting for a call that never arrived. The nights were long and lonely which filled with her own thoughts and promises.
Her phone rang with a message from Paul:
“I am sorry for not calling. Work has been crazy. I miss you.”
Jennie’s heart fell. She responded, “I miss you, too. I just wish we could talk more.”
Days turned into weeks and the calls decreased in frequency. Jennie tried to remain optimistic but the distance and silence were taking her away.
Scene 5: Coffee Shop, Winter 2016
Jennie sat in a warm corner of a coffee shop holding a warm cup of cocoa. She looked at the door every time it opened, hoping to see Paul enter. Instead, she saw other couples enjoying each other’s company and her heart broke.
Her friend Emily joined her at the table. “You’re very quiet today. Is everything okay?
Jennie forced a smile. “I just miss Paul. We haven’t spoken in a while.”
Emily looked up. “Isn’t it tough? Long-distance relationships are difficult. Have you thought about telling him how you’re feeling?
Jennie replied but a sense of hopelessness remained. “I have tried. He seems too busy to talk.”
Scene 6: Jennie’s Apartment, Spring 2017
With the exception of the refrigerator’s gentle flow the apartment was silent. Looking at the collection of letters she had composed for Paul but had never mailed. Jennie sat at her desk. They were filled with love and longing but they were also disappointed and sad.
“I feel like I’m losing you,” she wrote in one of the letters and her eyes sweeping over the words she had written months before.
“You grow farther away with the passage of time. All I want is to have a connection with you once more.”
After wiping away a tear, Jennie put the letter back in its box. Even though she was aware that their relationship began to losing, she held onto the hope that they were going to come together.
Scene 7: Airport, Fall 2017
Jennie stood at the airport with a heavy heart. She had received a call from Paul stating that he would be visiting for a few days. She was excited but also nervous.
Paul appeared at the gate, his face beaming when he saw Jennie. They embraced but there was tension in the air as a sense of loss.
As they walked to the car, Paul attempted to start up a conversation but it felt forced. They spent their days together but the connection they once shared seemed to have vanished. Jennie felt more and more sad as she realised how much had changed.
Scene 8: Jennie’s Apartment, Winter 2018
Jennie sat alone in her dark flat and she was surrounded by old photos and letters. She felt more empty than ever. She recently received a letter from Paul which mentioned that he was moving on with his life and their relationship was not working out.
She opened the envelope and read his words, her heart breaking with each sentence:
“I believe that it is best for us to end up. I will never forget the memories we made but we must move on.”
Jennie felt dull. She sat on the couch and holding the letter to her chest and tears streaming down her cheeks.
Scene 9: Jennie’s Apartment, Present Day
The flat had become a place of being alone filled with memories of a past relationship. Jennie sat by the window and looking out at the city lights. She had finally decided to sort through her old letters and photos, trying to make sense of everything.
She picked up the letter she had never sent to Paul and her heart breaking as she read it again. The words were full of love, hope and a profound sense of desire.
She took a deep breath before carefully placing the letter back in the box. It was a reminder of a time when her heart was full and her dreams seemed possible. Now it was time to let go.
Jennie looked out the window and a feeling of silent acceptance washing over her. She loved deeply but sometimes love was insufficient to keep two people together. She knew that it was the time to move forward and accept the future and let the past go.
As she turned away from the window, Jennie felt a hint of hope for the future, knowing that while some loves were meant to be beautiful memories, others were meant to help us grow and move forward.