The Long Way Home

Contest Entry: word count: 502



I received the letter yesterday. I’d almost given up all hope of every receiving it. But there it was, sitting there in my post box, a solitary white envelope with my name and address on it, penned by her hand. I’d been longing for it to arrive for more than four years, so I was surprised to find the predominant feeling that went through my mind was one of dread.

I picked up the letter delicately, like a bomb I was going to have to defuse. I smiled as I realized the effect her letter was having on me. This is ridiculous, I thought to myself.

Flipping the letter over, I saw that there was no return address. I wasn’t surprised.

I walked back up the brick path towards my home, staring at the envelope. The words of the first letter she'd left me went through my mind, line for line. I’d read that letter nearly every week for the last four years.

28th of August 2004

Mum,

I can’t bear to live in this house any longer. In the last few weeks I’ve tried so hard to forgive you, but I cannot find it in myself to do so.

I blame you for what happened to Dad. I keep thinking back to the party and every time I do I see you with a glass of wine in your hand. I keep trying to remember if you were a little drunk when you got behind the wheel. I don’t know the answer to that question but I know as long as it goes unanswered I won’t be able to look you in the eyes.

I left this morning as soon as you went over to Nan’s house. I won’t tell you where I’m going and I won’t be contacting you until I’m at peace with all of this.  I hope you can forgive me for leaving, just as I hope I can forgive you for the death of my father.

Kasey.



30th of July 2008

Dear Mum,

It’s been so long, I didn’t know where to start this letter. Do I start with where I went the day I left? Do I tell you what I’ve been doing these past few years to survive? Or do I simply tell you the purpose of my letter and leave it at that? All are questions I’m sure you would love to have answered.

It’s been a difficult few years for me. The world is not designed for a seventeen year old girl to go out there and make it on her own. I’ve seen the darkness and indifference people can force upon one another. I’ve felt the pain of being afflicted by it, with no family or friend to comfort me. Have you felt that darkness in the past years too? If it was because of me, that certainly wasn’t my intention.

I’ll tell you more when I see you. It won’t be for a while, but soon I will be home.

Kasey