Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

The interior of the box is simple. Metal lined. Nondescript,
like the key itself. I don’t know exactly what I was expecting,
but what I find isn’t it.
There’s nothing but an envelope.
A single white business envelope, identical to the one the
key was in.
If I find another key inside there, I’ll lose my shit.
When I pick up the envelope, however, I can tell there’s no
key inside. It’s weighted differently. Light as air. I run my
fingernail under the seal and slide out a single sheet of paper.
It’s a letter, folded in thirds.
Gulping, emotional, my whole body trembling, I unfold it
and begin to read.
Nat,
I love you. First and always, remember that. You’re the
only thing that has ever made my life worth living, and I thank
God every day for you and your precious smile.
Tomorrow, we’ll be married. No matter what comes after
that, it will be the best day of my life. Having you as my wife is
a privilege I don’t deserve, but am so grateful for.
I know the years will bring many adventures, and I can’t
wait to share them all with you. You inspire me in so many
ways. Your beauty, heart, kindness, and talent have always
overwhelmed me. I hope you know how much I support you.
How much I support your passion for your art.
You once told me you always find yourself in art. You said
that whenever you get lost, you find yourself in your paintings.
My beautiful Natalie, I hope you’ll find me there, too.
Don’t ever stop painting or looking at the world with your
unique artist’s eye. I hope our children will take after their
brilliant mother. I hope our future will be as perfect as our
lives together so far have been.