Ex-Husband’s Regret by Evelyn M.M

His letter

1 stare at the piece of paper on my table, not really sure what to do about it.

I was now at home. I had gotten back like an hour ago. The whole time, I spent it debating whether I should open it or tear it to pieces

The paper had been burning a hole in my purse the entire time I drove back home. Now, here I am

Still staring at it.

A part of me was curious about it contents. The other didn’t much care about what was written. The man who wrote it hated me. What good could come out of reading a letter written by him?

I pick it up, about to tear it, but a voice stops me.

‘Just read the damn thing. What’s the worst that could happen?‘ my inner voice whispers.

I cringe at the words.

Famous last words. I think to myself.

The worst thing that could happen is he hurts me.

Words were dangerous. They cause more damage than any weapon can. I still remember some of the harsh words my so called parents said to me over the years. The wounds their words inflicted

have never truly healed.

‘Just open it!‘ the voice screams.

Not giving myself a second to back out, I unfold the letter.

[Dear Ava,

If you’re reading this then it’s because I didn’t make it out of surgery. Truth be told, I don’t think I

will. They’re trying to save me not knowing that their efforts are futile. I am too far gone and I can already see you grandparents calling me to come join them. It may be the imagination of a dying

man or not, but I believe I have a special place in hell for how I treated you.

You were such a sweet girl when Winnie left you with us, but we destroyed that. We destroyed

your light and I will forever regret that I did that to you my sweet girl.

I remember when she still had you. I used to play with you and Emma. You were so innocent and

1/4

+15 BONUS

playing with you, Travis and

reading the letter. My mind confused. None of what he said was making any sense. If he used to like being around me

the piece of paper, I

know what happened. I don’t know why I turned out to be such a monster to you, but when Winnie died and she asked us to take you in, something just

not using this as an excuse because nothing can make

and

is my punishment. Karma is really a vengeful bitch. I am getting exactly what I deserve for how I treated

how sorry I am. For everything

to make up for what I did and said, but it’s all I have. I’m

for being the monster in your

forgiveness because I don’t deserve it. What I deserve is to

is that you be there for your mother. She’ll need you. She has a good heart

mistakes towards you, she’ll

I may not have showed it to you,

my darling sweet

shove it back in my bag feeling angry for

why the letter affected me so

was the last thing he wrote before died.

up abruptly and leave for my

don’t want to think about the

I know that if I allow

head, then

can’t afford to be weak right now. It would cost me more than I’m

I wasn’t going to risk going back to

my soul.

214

+15 BONUS

down Refusing to let the tears flow. I’ve cried enough

my tears on people

The fatigue, both emotional and physical weighs me down and I fall

up

scramble from my bed, falling down in the process. I was supposed to pick Noah up at nine

I’m done I

I notice Rowan and Noah in the kitchen having breakfast. He was wearing a suit and was

with his mouth full. “I wanted to wake you up, but dad told

here?” I ask in

and eat something. I want to finish these before I leave” Rowan

late for your meeting? You should

I let you sleep” he says as

I don’t want to think of him as the good guy. I don’t want to see this caring and kind