Letters From My Hopeful Past

Five months into my pregnancy, I received a letter from my past self — written five years ago.

The pages were filled with hope for the future.

"Dear Serena, have you married Ethan, the one who loves you most?"

"Are you two happy now? Do you have children?"

"Do you still remember your most important promise to each other?"

I stood there in a daze, unable to recall what that so-called promise even was.

The sounds from the bedroom grew unmistakably clear. Ethan walked out with his arms around his secretary, her skin covered with marks.