Morning came with silence. The storm had passed, leaving the orchard glistening with dew. Emily woke early, expecting a knock at her door, a message, something. But when she stepped outside, the world was still, too still.
On her doorstep was an envelope. Her name was written neatly in Jake's familiar hand.
Emily,
I need to face what I left unfinished. I don't know how long I'll be gone, but please believe me when I say this isn't goodbye. You've been the calm I've searched for all my life. I'll come back to you when I've earned the right to stay.
