One day, a young woman was going through boxes in the attic
She perused among items she had not seen in many years
Childhood photos, old clothes, souvenirs from past trips
But other items she laid eyes on for the very first time
One such item nestled in the far back corner of the attic
A small chest with faded ornate patterns once beautiful
It had no detailed description on it to indicate what’s inside
All it had on the top were the words “A moment in time”
Briefly she was unsure about opening this container
Wondering if this was what she thought it’d be
Like Pandora, her curiosity got the best of her
Sliding the dusty lid upward she peered within
Numerous items halfway filled the box up
Some of it was postcards and others of photos
The pictures were of a couple she partially knew
The man she somewhat recognized by face
However the woman she simply could not place
Curiosity growing she noticed only one letter inside
The envelope engraved with the name “Beatrice” on it
She had to know who this mysterious woman was
Pausing for a moment to think about what she’ll do
The young woman proceed to break the seal to read
Unfurling the paper she could see the man’s writing
It looked familiar yet different from what she recalls
This was handwriting from before life led him here
She suddenly found herself taken back through time
As she’s introduced to a woman named Beatrice. . .
“Dear Beatrice,
It’s been quite some time since we last spoke.
I hope all has been well these past few years
And that this letter doesn’t startle you so.
You may have thought I’d never reach out,
or maybe you were praying I wouldn’t.
After all, you were the one who ended it.
But I’m writing to you now for closure.
For I was never given that desired moment.
We met so unexpectedly and the fire was there.
Despite me being hesitant, at first, to pursue
I did my best to keep up with your excitement.
Who would’ve thought it’d end the opposite,
and that you’d be the one hesitant to go on.
Then again, a part of me understands it all.
The very nature of our relationship was unique.
We lived on distant shores united by happenstance.
You’re wandering spirit matched and captivated me.
It’s that same spirit that will cause this letter to be lost.
For I have no way of finding you to deliver this letter.
So many places I can imagine you living in currently:
From Rio de Janiero to Moscow, Lisbon to Santiago,
Amman to Barcelona, the possibilities are endless.
Wherever you are, though, just know I never forgot.
All those messages and photos we exchanged.
Every dream, laughter, hopes, and smiles too.
We were so close to building our own empire.
I will cherish them in the back of my mind,
As I try to move forward and begin a new path.
You did what was best for your tender heart,
As I tried so hard and failed to reach you in time.
And though we may no longer be in love
I want you to know that I will always care for you.
Always wanting the best for you no matter what.
Even when you are in the arms of another.
Even when the day comes for bearing children.
All I hope is that once in a bright blue moon,
You think of me and everything we had
And how our chapter led into two bright ones.
You may never come across this letter,
But I’m glad to have finally put pen to paper.
You were the first to see what gifts I can offer.
You truly believed in me and gave me my wings.
And for that, and all other memories we shared,
I’m happy to have had you in my life for it.
Take care of yourself and future loved ones.
Unless we ever meet again, know that I love you.
I always will, my dear Beatrice. . . “
Bittersweet tears rolled down her cheek now
As she peered up above the parchment in awe
It was sweet in that she learned more about her father
But bitter in that it took his passing to find this
The daughter heard many tales of this man
From friends, family members and, of course, mom
Though she only heard few from him, himself
Which didn’t match the grandiose stories others told
Perhaps he was modest and shied from the limelight
Yet everything he ever did in life was so cavalier
Including venturing far away from home for love
The daughter had no ill will towards this woman
She actually was quite thankful for her presence
As her father once taught her while growing up
‘Everyone we meet teaches us something
Whether good or bad, we learn and grow from it’
So this Beatrice surely did the same for her dad
She made him a better man and helped in knowing
Just what exactly he needed to look for in someone
So he would go on to eventually meet her mother
Beatrice was the one before the One in his life
And now she is the one the daughter must meet
Carrying the same cavalier wanderlust of her parents
She took this letter to continue the mission he started
The one her father thought of attempting years ago
So that she can learn not only more about her,
Who was nearly as dear to him as her mother was,
But also of the man she only knew of as he was older
She wanted to curate all memories of her father
Including the ones from before he became a parent
With the letter clutched in her hand, she set off
Beginning the search for this mystifying woman abroad
To hear her story and deliver what her father had written
Hoping to get closure of one chapter and start a new one
For her father, she will finally find his dear, Beatrice. . .
Novatourist 