The Secret Beneath

Ethan Walker was seated by himself at the corner table of his beloved café, the comforting sound of clinking mugs and quiet chatter forming a calming background noise. Outside, the world continued its daily bustle with cars beeping and pedestrians flowing together like waves in a concrete sea. Inside, Ethan was far away, immersed in thoughts that appeared endless and without origin. In front of him was a cup of cold black coffee, half-finished, symbolizing the time he spent mustering up the courage to do something overdue.

He delved into the inner pocket of his coat and extracted a slightly crumpled envelope. It had a slightly worn ivory white appearance, as though it had been touched numerous times. The front displayed his name, *Ethan Walker*, written in tidy cursive with deep blue ink that had hardly lost its color. Six months ago, the only thing Ava left behind when she disappeared was this letter. No farewells, no reasons given-only this note left at his doorstep one chilly February day. He recalled discovering it, the coldness of the night lingering, and the feeling of closure it had brought. He had kept the letter on his person for several weeks, transferring it between pockets and drawers, but never once reading it. He ran his fingertips over the recognizable handwriting, as if attempting to establish a link to the woman who had penned it. Ava's abrupt exit had created an emptiness, not only in his life but also in his heart. He had been in love with her - or at least he thought he had - until her sudden disappearance made him doubt everything. Was he ever truly acquainted with her? Was she ever truly in love with him? Now, there was this letter, embodying her words, prepared to disclose truths he may not be ready to confront. "Is everything alright, Ethan?" Mark's thoughts were interrupted by his voice, cutting through them like a knife through a knot. Ethan looked up and saw his friend standing in front of him, his face showing worry. Mark was always the extroverted friend who could cheer up Ethan from his bad moods with a joke or a pat on the back. Today, however, Ethan's brooding presence seemed to overshadow Mark's light-heartedness. Ethan put the letter back in his pocket and smiled artificially. "Yes, just... pondering." Mark raised one eyebrow before taking a seat without needing to be asked. "Are you contemplating?" That is never a positive outcome. You have been sitting here for hours, dude. What is happening? Ethan let out a breath, keeping his hand on his coat pocket. "It is Ava." Or, more specifically, this letter she left before departing. I've been holding onto it, pondering its contents and debating if I'm prepared to listen to whatever message she wanted to convey. Mark's usual happy attitude faded, replaced by real worry, as his face became more gentle. "You've been tormenting yourself about this for months." Perhaps it's time to quickly remove the Band-Aid, what do you think? No matter what it states, you will at least have a few responses. Residing in a state of uncertainty is only exacerbating the situation. Ethan was aware that Mark was correct. For the past six months, he had been tormented by various possibilities, hypothetical situations, and the lingering absence of Ava. However, his fingers hesitated to rip open the envelope due to the anxiety about possible answers. He nodded slowly, mainly to satisfy Mark rather than because he truly believed it. It is possible. Perhaps in the near future. Mark quickly scanned the café, as if looking for a different subject to discuss. "You're aware, there's an art exhibition happening this evening. Some emerging artists exhibiting their artwork. I believe it would be beneficial for you to go outside and experience something beyond the confines of your apartment or the café. Join me. Ethan was about to say no and go back to his usual routine, but he was halted by something. Perhaps it was the manner in which Mark gazed at him, as if offering a lifeline to a man sinking underwater. Perhaps it was the unspoken dare to emerge from the haze that had enclosed him for an extended period of time. "Sure," Ethan heard himself say. "I will go." Mark smiled and gave him a pat on the shoulder. "You've got the right attitude!" Perhaps you will discover inspiration or at least a distraction. While Mark got up for more coffee, Ethan's mind wandered back to the letter. Is it possible that the answer to understanding Ava's actions lies within those few papers? His reluctance to uncover more agony hindered him, but his inquisitiveness was starting to surpass the fear. Perhaps this evening, in the midst of strangers and the presence of art, he might gather the courage to finally uncover it. However, at the moment, the letter stayed closed, representing all the things he was avoiding dealing with. Ethan's coat sleeve brushed against the edge of the envelope, and he inhaled deeply. One day soon, he promised himself. One day soon.