Aurora Magazine 2019

The Mail Had Arrived Again

Deborah Mach

The mail had arrived again. I crossed the street to our mailbox and looked through the mail before returning to the driveway. The envelope was a simple, white rectangle. Though it could have been passed over easily as unimportant, I would not have missed it. I had watched eagerly, impatiently for its arrival. The anticipation of this letter went back much farther than the ten days since I’d mailed my certified letters of introduction, my watch spanned nearly two decades. I handled it carefully and examined the small print ad - dressing it to me. My eyes hungrily read the name and address of the sender. As often happens in times of intense emotion, I held my breath, afraid that even the gentle stir of my exhaled breath could cause it to evaporate. One breath, two breaths. Thud! Thud! Thud went my heart as it beat faster and faster. No. I was too excited, too afraid of its contents to open it alone. I picked up the portable phone in the kitchen and took it and the precious, long-awaited envelope outside to the porch. It was a mid-May afternoon. The spring sun shone brightly. Across from the porch a large lavender-colored lilac was in full bloom, fragrantly scenting the air. My favorite flower, lilac, evokes many memories of spring’s hopes, love, joy. Mild weather. Winter had ended. Perhaps the long-frozen part of my heart will thaw when i read this letter. I tremble in anticipation as I sit down on an old wooden pew and arranging a pillow behind my back, I tuck my feet up under me. My hand shakes as I dial Joel’s work number. I only wait a moment after the phone is answered until I hear Joel’s voice on the line. My throat is tight with emotion. I am

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