hope you like, I'm still fighting through grief but this helped some, and thnk you for your support as always
The driveway was empty, and there were no lights on inside the house. You didn't expect any but it was still strange seeing it. You had signed the divorce papers a week before deployment so none of this was a surprise. Maybe a part of you hoped that Julie would change her mind and not file them. You told her there wasn't anything you needed to keep. Any valuables you cared about, well they were at your storage unit.
You unlocked the door and walked in, there was nothing, empty cupboards, and no light. You walked in a saw a table with a small chest on it. The chest looked like it could be old but it was so clean it could have been brand new. You pulled out 3 envelopes. You opened the one that said, “me first”.
You opened it, there was a letter and a metal ring inside.
Dearest,
I am sorry, I couldn't be the wife you needed. I know you think me cruel, but I knew I could help you, I felt your anger and darkness inside and knew it would consume us both. I have and will always love you, but I know the struggle you have even if you don't talk about it. You would have continued to force yourself to be a husband, a soldier, a provider, and it would have destroyed you. You didn't clear your browser history. You might be struggling more with who you are than any other soul I know. So the ring that fell out is a class ring. If you notice it is a woman's and lists next year as your graduation date. If you put that on you will become Claire. My shy timid little sister, there's a coupon for a uber to take to my parents' house. You won't have to be a strong soldier anymore. The other envelope is a signed sale of the house. $500k, either way, the money is yours or we can still cancel the sale. You've been so brave and strong, come back to me somehow,
Love you always Julie
PS I know you think I cheated on you but Jerry is a good man we only met after we separated.
You put the letter down, you didn't realize the tears that were falling. You slid the ring on, and you felt your soul free as long dark hair slid down your shoulders.