Eleanor sat by the old oak tree at the edge of her family's farm, holding a letter with trembling hands. The sun was setting, casting golden hues over the fields, but she barely noticed. The letter was worn at the edges, its ink slightly faded, yet it held more weight than anything she had ever read.
It was the last letter from her father, written before he passed away.
As she unfolded it, her mind drifted back to the days of her childhood. Her father, Thomas, had always been her hero. He wasn't a man of grand gestures, nor was he wealthy. But he had a heart larger than life and hands that built dreams out of nothing. He taught her how to ride a bicycle, how to mend a broken fence, and most importantly, how to face life with courage.
When Eleanor left for college, her father had written her letters every week. They were filled with words of encouragement, life lessons, and occasional jokes that made her laugh. But as life got busier, she replied less often. She always meant to write back, but work, friendships, and life's chaos kept pushing it to tomorrow. Tomorrow that never came.
Then, one winter evening, she received a call that shattered her world. Her father had suffered a heart attack. By the time she rushed back home, he was gone. The only thing waiting for her was an envelope on her old wooden desk, addressed to her in her father's familiar handwriting.
It had taken her weeks to gather the courage to open it. And now, sitting under the tree where he once read her bedtime stories, she finally unfolded the paper.
**"My dearest Eleanor,
If you're reading this, it means I've gone where all old men must go. But don't be sad, my love. I had a good life, and the greatest gift I ever received was being your father.
I know life will get tough sometimes, but you are stronger than you realize. When you were little, you fell off your bike and scraped your knees. You cried, but you got back up. Life is like that, darling. It knocks you down, but you always get back up.
Remember to forgive easily. Not for others, but for yourself. Carrying anger is like holding onto a burning coal - it only hurts you. Love fiercely, even if it means getting hurt. And never, ever forget to chase your dreams, no matter how impossible they seem.
One last thing, Ellie. I know you were always too busy to write back, but that's okay. I never needed the words. I just needed to know you were happy. And I hope you are. But if you ever find yourself lost, just sit under this tree, and I promise, I'll always be there in the rustling leaves, whispering that I love you.
Always,
Dad"**
Tears streamed down Eleanor's face as she finished reading. The guilt of unanswered letters crushed her, but more than that, the immense love in her father's words filled her soul.
She pressed the letter to her heart, whispering, "I love you too, Dad."
The wind picked up, rustling the leaves above her. And for the first time since he left, she smiled, knowing he was still with her.