When William was called up to serve in the army, Alice promised shed wait for him faithfully. True to her word, she wrote him heartfelt letters filled with declarations of love, drawing tiny flowers and hearts, always sealing her words with a painted kiss. She loved him with all her heart with the sort of sincerity only true love can bring. With William gone, every minute dragged endlessly.
Thats why Alice couldnt quite grasp that William might have betrayed her.
Her heart told her it just couldnt be true he couldnt possibly forget her. Yet, when he stopped replying to her letters and finally wrote a brief note urging her to move on, she was faced with the painful truth.
In her sorrow, Alice married the first man who came along. It wasnt for love. She buried her broken heart, refusing to risk loving so deeply again, for no one could mean as much to her as William did.
One afternoon, Alice was in the kitchen, aproned and in her slippers, when the doorbell rang. She went to answer, not expecting much, but there stood William older now, in his officers uniform.
I didnt believe youd really married, so I came to see for myself. But its clear now, he said, eyes brimming with heartbreak, now I understand why you never wrote me back…
He turned to leave, but Alice stopped him.
How can you say that? Youre the one who told me to forget you She didnt know if he was blaming her or trying to explain.
And?.. William asked after a long pause, Last week I sent my last letter from the barracks, hoping you were still waiting for me.
Alices throat tightened. She couldnt get out a word; tears stung her cheeks, and her mind swirled with questions: how, why?
That very day, Alice went to her parents, sensing they knew more than they’d ever said. Theyd never taken to William, thinking he wasnt well off enough.
Were sorry, love, her parents told her, unable to hold back their feelings, we just wanted you to have an easier life, not one spent counting pennies to buy the children a chocolate bar. We remember those days and wanted something better for you.
But you two didnt let a lack of money keep you apart you married for love. So why would you try to rob me of the same chance? How could you do that to me? Alices eyes were full of reproach.
Her mother handed over a handful of letters. There. See for yourself.
In the quiet of the sitting room, Alice read them, tears streaming down her face, sobbing openly. In the very last letter, just as William had said, was a pressed snowdrop flower, and next to it, the words: I searched everywhere for this, just to give it to you.
That evening, Alice sat down with her husband. He was always distracted by work, money, his mates, and maybe even other women, if the neighbours gossip was to be believed. They parted quietly, peacefully.
For the first time in her life, pushing away her worries about the shadows, Alice took an evening walk through the city. She wasnt afraid anymore she was heading to the one who truly loved her and whom she had never stopped loving.
With time, old wounds healed and past misunderstandings faded. Alice and Williams home was soon filled with laughter their two towheaded boys grew strong and happy. The grandparents adored their grandsons, the household was full of joy.
Everyone agreed: true wealth is found not in money, but in a home where there is honest, lasting love.
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