Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: MAIL (02/18/16)
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TITLE: Dear Thomas | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sherry Hoffcastel
02/25/16 -
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“That’s interesting. Why is this letter addressed to you and who is Greta? Since when do you get mail?” She smacked him playfully and ran a finger under the flap. Inside was a letter handwritten in beautiful cursive on two sheets of plain stationary. She began to read out loud…
Dear Thomas,
Recent events have persuaded me to reveal my true feelings for you. I realize that my candidness might be hard for you to grasp but I must share what is on my heart. I understand that our relationship might be altered at the close of this letter but nonetheless, this is something I have to do. I hope you understand…
My sweet friend, you are a delightful neighbor and an absolute joy to be around. You never fail to greet me when I come home from my doctor appointments or Sunday church services. On those days when I feel especially lonely you are a constant source of encouragement. You communicate with me better than most people and I have thoroughly enjoyed your company. I feel safe and comfortable with you, like I can tell you anything. That’s why this letter is so hard to write. If I thought you’d understand I would tell you in person but with the situation such as it is…all I’m left with is this lousy attempt at an explanation.
Thomas, I’m leaving in a few days. My daughter is packing my things now and she’s preparing to move me up the coast so that we can be closer. I don’t mind saying that I’m looking forward to the change. After so many years of isolation it will feel good to be near people who love me again. Now don’t go getting sentimental. I know you’re fond of me but you’ll move on and in a few weeks you probably won’t even remember who I am. I do have one request, though. Please tell that darling Meg that no man will ever love her the way Jesus can. He’ll never take more than He can give, He’ll never leave, and He’ll never make her cry. I pray that she finds true companionship with Him. Tell her to take good care of you; you’ve been a wonderful friend to me and I’ll miss you dearly.
Goodbye, Thomas
Love,
Greta
Meg stared at the letter dumbstruck. “Greta is the old lady next door? Wait, I remember meeting her a while back. She seemed genuinely concerned when I was going through another break-up.” Meg absentmindedly stroked Thomas’s soft head. “I had no idea she was even there. She’s been in that lonely apartment talking to you this whole time. Meanwhile I’ve been bringing home a different guy every week.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Some neighbor I am. Well, what happens now? Should I go over there? Should I write a response?”
Thomas scampered to the back door. He barked once and waited, his tail slapping the glass behind him. Meg followed him out to the yard as Greta’s head appeared from the other side of the fence. The dog rose on his hind legs and greeted his neighbor with a slobbery kiss.
“Hello, Thomas! How are you today?” Meg cleared her throat and met Greta’s eyes before her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.
“Hi, Greta. It’s nice to see you again. Thomas said to thank you for the kind letter.”
“He’s very welcome. Would you like to come in for a glass of iced tea? My taxi won’t be here for another hour yet…”
Meg smiled. “I would be delighted.”
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Going in to the second paragraph it took me a moment to understand who as speaking. I'm not a fan of over tagging dialogue, but it might have helped right there. Then, that may just be me.
Great read, on topic, and good close, leaving the reader pondering several things. Kudos.