Scarlet Letter

She wasn't perfect. She was fiercely mine though.

Left alone to clean out her house I came across several sentimental treasures; and a surprising revelation.

In the back of a dusty shallow spare bedroom closet was pushed a 2-drawer file cabinet, the old metal kind with that slight smell of oxidation. Handwritten letters she'd held on to throughout decades and at least 4 house moves revealed the affair.

Young, only a few years married and long before I was even a thought, she'd had a lover. I was altogether both shocked and intrigued! Although she and my father were both undeniably attractive as well as competitive, I couldn't imagine my Mother ever entertaining an affair.

But, then again, with righteous indignation I would have called you a liar if you'd told me I would too. Over time this unexpected find would prove to reframe how I understand maturity, interpersonal relationships, and grace.

~K