Chapter 1

The package arrived, just as it had every year, for the past twenty years. Bella removed the brown paper wrap, to expose the beautifully wrapped package inside. It was the same every year. Thick silver paper, with an iridescent bow atop. Her heart pounded in her thin chest, in anticipation of what surprise could be inside this time. Would there be a note enclosed or just a gift, as the last three years? Over the years the gifts had been a collection of different items, ranging from jewelry, a ticket stub from a concert, a lock of hair, dried flowers pressed between pages of poetry, and so much more. Sometimes a love note was enclosed, sometimes a funny line and, as of recently, nothing at all.

Her hands shook as she removed the bow, careful not to tear the delicate fabric. She would save it in her chest of his gifts, like the rest. Inside the small box was a white envelope, and a key. With a dread knawing at her stomach, she breaks the seal.

My dearest Bella,

Enclosed you will find the key to the cabin by the lake where we spent those beautiful nights, so long ago. It is now yours. I have loved you for twenty years and regret to say that I have finally given up hope of ever having you in my arms again. So I regretfully let you go. This will be my last letter and gift to you and the memory of our love. You have been a part of my soul for so long that I feel as if a part of me has died with this letter, but I am only human Bella. Forever turned out to be too long to wait.

With love,

Your Edward

Tears slowly streamed down her face at his words. She knew this day would come, but it still hurt like hell. For twenty years she had dreamed of him every night, and thought of him everyday. What would she do now that Edward had finally given up on her? Sobs shook her body, and regret bit at her insides like a poison.