She ran her hand beneath the park bench, and sure enough, just as he said, she felt the envelope secured there by tape. Pulling it loose, Maxine held the envelope in her hands, the paper shaking along with her nerves. She wanted to think it was a positive letter, a letter saying how much he loved her and wanted her to stay with him. But the dread crept through her mind, telling her she was being foolish, that she knew this was her goodbye. It took her a few minutes to get up the courage to open the taped flap.

Dear Maxine,
I know I said I would always be there for you but I have to go back on my word. I need to find myself. You don’t complete me like I had hoped. Although my heart breaks to do this, I am leaving.
Dave

Maxine sat in awe, a tear rolling down her cheek. How could he just stop his feelings on a dime like that? Maybe it’s because his feelings for her were never true. This was her cue to start fresh, to show the world her strength.