When William joined the army, Emily promised she would wait faithfully for him. She kept her wordwriting heartfelt letters full of passionate declarations of love. She decorated them with little drawings of flowers and hearts, sealing each letter with a lipstick kiss right next to the word kiss. She loved him with all her hearthonestly, as only someone truly in love could. Each minute without him felt like an eternity.
Thats why Emily can hardly believe William could do this to her.
Her heart insists it cant be true, that he could never forget about her. But when her beloved stopped replying to her letters, and then finally wrote a short note telling her to forget about him, she was forced to accept the bitter truth.
Emily married the first man she met. Of course, there was no love between them. She locked away her trampled love and guarded her heart so that she would never get hurt again. No one could compare to William in her eyes.
Emily is in the kitchen when the doorbell rings. As always, shes in her pinny and slippers. She goes to answer the door, and standing there is Williamgrown, dressed in his officers uniform.
I didnt believe it when I heard youd got married, he says, his eyes brimming with pain, as if he is on the brink of tears. But I had to see for myself. Now I can see its true. It makes sense why you stopped writing back
He turns to leave, but Emily reaches out and stops him.
How can you say that? It was you who told me in your letter to forget about you she says, her voice trembling, unsure whether hes trying to justify himself or accuse her.
And? William asks after a long pause, Yes, last week I sent my last letter from the army, hoping you were still waiting for me
A lump rises in Emilys throat. He doesnt let her say another word. Tears burn down her cheeks, with questions tumbling through her mind: How, why?
Later that same day, Emily goes to her parents house. They clearly know more than she does. They never liked William, because he didnt have a penny to his name.
Forgive us, love, her parents say, unable to hide their emotions. We just wanted a better life for you. We know what its like to count every penny, just to buy the children a sweet now and then. Weve been there. We wanted more for you.
But you fell in love and married despite having nothing, Emily protests, tears in her eyes. So why did you want to ruin my life? How could you do this to me?
Her mum hands her a stack of letters.
Emily sits in the next room, reading. She doesnt just cry; she sobs, her heart torn. In the last letterthe one William had spoken oftheres a pressed snowdrop tucked inside. Next to it, he had written: I searched for this for ages, but finally found it for you.
That evening, Emily has a serious conversation with her husband. He only ever sees his job, his wages, his friendsperhaps even, as their well-meaning neighbours have hinted, other women. They part ways quietly and without fuss.
For the first time ever, Emily, pushing past her fear of the night, walks alone through the city. But shes not frightened anymoreshes going to the home of the man who has always loved her, and whom she has never stopped loving.
In time, every old pain and misunderstanding fades away. Now, in the home of Emily and William, two fair-haired sons are growing up. Their grandparents are delighted to have grandchildren. And everyone knows: the greatest treasure in life is a home filled with genuine love.
