Writing Prompt: In Love With a Stranger.

Writing Prompt:
You fall in love with someone you have never met in person.

My contribution:
When Cassie moved into the old house on the shores of southern Maine, she had no idea how much her life would change. Still, she didn't care. She needed a fresh start.

As she struggled with the last box, she looked around her new land. In the background, she could hear the rough Atlantic waves hit the rocky coastline. She breathed in the faint smell of salty ocean air and made her way into her home. Cassie sat the box down in the corridor and listened to the old door close behind her. She looked around her surroundings. The colonial setting of the house was what attracted her. She had a love of vintage items, and when the house came up on her radar, fully furnished, she jumped at the chance to buy.

Cassie strolled around her new house, looking at the vintage artwork and furniture. She closed her eyes and imagined what life must have been like when the house was first built. For a second, she felt time warp back to the 1920s. A second later, she was jolted back to 2010. The doorbell rang and the sound echoed throughout the house. Cassie walked to the door and saw a mailman in the doorway.
"Good afternoon ma'am! I noticed you don't have a mailbox set up. Here's your mail."
Cassie tilted her head in confusion. She hadn't changed her address from California to Maine just yet. "Thank you, sir."
The mailman tipped his hat to her and walked back to his truck. As she listened to the truck drive off, she looked at the single piece of mail in her hand. There was no name on the envelope, just the address. She shrugged her shoulders and went back inside.

That night, Cassie poured herself a cup of red wine and settled into her vintage living room. She looked out the window at the starlit sky and took a breath. Her attention went to the piece of mail that was sitting on her coffee table. Curiosity began to seep into her soul as she picked up the envelope. The envelope was rather large, and sealed in the back with wax. She brought the back of the envelope to her nose and sniffed the wax. At that moment, she decided she needed to read the note. She opened the envelope and pulled the letter out. The note was written in cursive on parchment paper. Cassie grabbed her reading glasses and began reading:
"My dearest, At this point, you have settled into the house. I can picture you sitting by the window, looking at the night sky, thinking about seeing me again. As I look at the stars, I am reminded of your beautiful face. Those eyes of blue, that flowing brown hair, those ruby red lips, these are the thoughts that bring me the greatest joy in life. I miss your embrace, your stare, your kiss, and your warm body against mine. One day, I will come for you, and we will be together for the rest of our lives. My love for you grows every second of everyday. Do not give up on me. I shall return.
Signed, Yours."

Cassie felt her face flush in embarrassment. How did this person know what I look like? Who even talks like this these days? Cassie put the note down and finished her glass of wine. She laid down on her couch and fell deep asleep.

The next day, Cassie woke up confused and groggy. As she stood up and stretched, she was startled by a knock at the door. She walked to the door and opened it. An elderly woman stood in the doorway, holding a tray of food.
"Morning, I'm Mrs. Baxter. I brought this for you." Mrs. Baxter gave the tray to Cassie. Cassie smiled. "Thank you, I'm Cassie. I just moved in."
Mrs. Baxter smiled. "I know dear. Have a great day!"
Cassie inhaled the aroma of coffee and bacon as she watched Mrs. Baxter walk away from the house.

​Cassie brought the tray inside and set it down in the kitchen. She ran her fingers through her hair, folding her hands on top of her head. This was becoming too weird. First that letter, then this breakfast. "Perhaps people are just nice in this town," Cassie thought to herself. Cassie took a sip of the coffee and sat down to eat.

Over the next few months, Cassie received more notes, more breakfasts, and a rose in the evenings. As strange as the whole situation was, she felt herself embrace what was happening. In a way, she was feeling herself fall in love with whomever was sending her these declarations of love. It didn't make any sense on the surface, but she did not care. This stranger made her feel more alive than she ever had before. She'd be a fool not to go with it.

One summer evening, as she was putting the latest red rose in vase full of others, she heard her phone ring.
"Hello?" Cassie heard silence for a few seconds, then she heard someone clear their throat.
"Dearest Cassie. Your voice is a symphony of all that is good in the world. I think we should finally reunite. Come to the door."

Cassie felt her heart beat out of her chest. She walked to the door and opened it. She felt her heard expand in a way it never has before. She allowed herself to fall into love's embrace. The rest of the world faded away. All that was left was the two of them. Forever.

©2018 written by Admin S​

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