The Envelope

Janna posted a writing prompt a couple days ago based on a photo of a letter. I thought I'd share what I wrote. It's inspired by my gramma, who's still very much alive. :)

The Envelope

The handwriting caught my eye, and my hand froze over the book. The tattered envelope stood upright between the open pages, beckoning to me. I peeked inside. Would it still be there after all this time?

The brittle seed slid out of the envelope, and I smiled as the scent of roses surrounded me.

As a kid I leapt with joy when a new letter arrived. It wasn't her words that I looked forward to, it was the surprises she'd tuck between the pages. Pieces of cinnamon gum, stickers for my notebook, and my favorite – the helicopter seeds that came from the tree in her backyard. Over and over, I'd throw the seeds into the air, then tilt my head back as they showered down around me, the scent of her roses still clinging to the paper-thin husks. When they'd scattered too far to collect, I'd unfold the letter and feel her presence wash over me.

I wish I could be there with you.

All my love,
Gramma

The surprises changed as I grew older. Five dollar bills replaced the gum, gift cards replaced the stickers. But every so often an envelope would arrive stuffed with helicopter seeds, and I'd race outside to throw them in the air, imagining her by my side.

The letters stopped, as I knew they one day would. Sometimes I'd pass a tree with the seeds still clinging to the branches and I'd lift my face towards them, hoping to bring her back.