A letter to the post man

Diana walked over to me, her presence both soft and commanding. She placed a firm but gentle hand on my shoulder and guided me to a seat. Without asking, she began piling food onto my plate. I could see it in her actions—the silent message she wanted to convey. Diana wasn't just trying to take care of me. She wanted to be a mother to my siblings, to fill the void my mother's absence had left behind.

For years, I'd carried resentment toward her, but now, watching her work so hard to bring us some semblance of comfort, I felt the weight of that hatred start to lift.

And yet, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about Archie.

Why didn't Diana treat Archie well? She was my sister, my responsibility, the person I'd sworn to protect. But every time Alex called, it was to tell me about Archie falling sick or being hospitalized while Diana was in charge at the Sylvester mansion.

That thought sat heavily in my chest, but I brushed it aside when I tasted Diana's cooking for the first time.

It was divine.

There was something achingly familiar about it, something that brought me back to simpler, happier times. It reminded me of my mother's cooking—the same flavors, the same care in every bite. How could this be possible?

"How does it taste?" Diana asked, her voice breaking the silence.

I glanced at her and saw something unusual in her eyes. Hope, perhaps. Or maybe desperation.

"It's really good," I said honestly.

Her lips curved into a small smile. For a moment, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as heartless as I'd thought.

We ate in silence for the most part. I didn't have the energy for conversation. The warmth of the food stirred a hunger I hadn't realized was there, and I ate more than I had in weeks. My dad and Alex eventually joined us, breaking the quiet.

It was Alex who broke the news.

"Nath's gone," he said simply, as though it wasn't a bombshell. "He returned to the northern lands."

The words hit me like a blow. Nath had left? Why hadn't he told me?

I could feel my heart growing heavy, the emotions simmering beneath the surface. I clenched my fists under the table, trying to stay composed.

Why would he leave like this, without saying anything?

I excused myself from the table, not wanting anyone to see the tears that threatened to fall. As I walked toward my room, I tried to push down the bitterness that was rising in my throat.

"I'll never forgive him for this," I muttered to myself.

The sound of a car pulling up outside snapped me out of my thoughts. Moments later, the police arrived, their faces serious as they asked for me. They wanted to question me about the kidnapping.

I had expected this moment, but it didn't make it any easier.

They were particularly interested in the man who had escaped, the one they hadn't captured.

Damian.

I could still see his face, the intensity in his eyes, and the quiet kindness he had shown me. I had promised to protect him, and I intended to keep that promise.

So, I lied.

"He helped me escape," I said firmly. "He wasn't involved in the kidnapping. If anything, he risked his own life to get me out of there."

The officers exchanged glances but didn't press further. When they asked about the reason behind my capture, I gave them the simplest explanation I could think of.

"They wanted money."

I couldn't tell them the truth. Not with everything that was at stake. If the woman Damian was searching for really lived in this house, she couldn't know. She would become more alert, and I couldn't afford that.

Once the police left, I rushed to my room and grabbed my phone. A wave of relief washed over me when I saw messages from Nath.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you in person, one read. It was urgent. I had to leave for the northern lands, but I'll be back soon. Please understand.

I stared at the screen for what felt like an eternity before typing a reply.

You left without saying goodbye. Do you have any idea how that made me feel?

The reply came almost immediately.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.

Then why didn't you say something? I typed, my fingers trembling. I needed you, Nath. After everything that's happened, I needed you here.

There was a pause before his next message arrived.

I know. And I hate that I let you down. But you're stronger than you think. You don't need me as much as you think you do.

That made me angry.

Don't tell me what I need! I wrote back, tears blurring my vision. You don't get to make that decision for me.

This time, his reply was slower.

You're right. I don't. But I'll make it up to you. I promise.

I tossed my phone onto the bed, frustrated and exhausted. Nath's words didn't make me feel any better.

The next morning, my dad called a family meeting. He suggested I take a month off work to recover and regain my strength. Alex had already informed my boss about my disappearance, so I didn't have to worry about explaining myself.

Meanwhile, Geynie, my half-sister, was coming home after completing her medical degree. She had become a renowned surgeon, and my dad wanted to throw a party in her honor. It was set for two days from now, and we all had to prepare.

Despite the tension in the house, I couldn't help but feel proud of Geynie. She had worked so hard to get to where she was, and she deserved to be celebrated.

But as usual, my thoughts kept drifting back to Archie. She had been quiet lately—too quiet. I made a mental note to check on her later, to make sure she was okay.