"The One-Way Letter"
By R.Shi
One quiet morning, the sun rose gently, and the chirping of birds echoed softly outside the window. Evan stirred awake, the golden light casting faint shadows across his room. He sat up slowly, the silence almost too loud.
He walked to his desk and sat down, his eyes falling on the envelope that had been sitting there for weeks.
A wedding invitation.
The names printed elegantly across it read Sebastian & Ava. Today was the day. The day his best friend married the love of his life.
Evan washed up and slipped into a white tuxedo, the crisp fabric adorned with a single brooch—shaped like a delicate blue rose, his favorite flower. He took one last glance at himself in the mirror, then headed out.
The wedding venue was bright and filled with laughter. Guests filled the hall with joy, taking pictures, hugging, congratulating. And at the center of it all stood Sebastian—radiant and smiling, his eyes sparkling as he chatted with the guests.
Evan stepped inside quietly, taking in the moment.
He approached, noting how Sebastian looked happier than ever.
“Seb,” Evan said softly with a smile, bending slightly since he was just a bit taller.
Sebastian turned at the familiar voice and beamed. “Dude! You actually look decent in a tux. For a second there, I thought you’d show up looking like you were still part of some underground gang.”
Evan chuckled. “Yeah, well, wouldn’t want to ruin your big day.”
Sebastian laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “Thanks, man. Can you believe it? I’m really marrying her. You remember how I used to talk about this since forever?”
“I do,” Evan replied, still smiling. “I’m... happy for you.”
Before they could say more, an announcement came through, signaling the start of the ceremony. Evan gave a small nod and quietly walked to his place—as the best man.
The ceremony was beautiful. Every moment felt dreamlike. But Evan’s heart felt heavier with every vow spoken.
When it was time for speeches, he stood up, holding a glass and smiling faintly.
“I have a best friend,” Evan began, voice steady yet soft, “someone who cries a lot and smiles even more. Always positive, always talking big, but still... weak when life pushes too hard.”
Laughter rippled through the crowd gently.
“I've known him for years. Through breakups, bad grades, fights with his mom—hell, even the time he swore off love only to fall for Ava a week later.”
More laughter, warmer this time.
Evan’s smile faded just a little as he continued, “And now here he is, marrying the girl of his dreams. I know he’ll make her happy, just like he made everyone around him smile without even trying.”
He paused, eyes flickering toward Sebastian, before raising his glass.
“All I want to say is congratulations. And thank you… for letting me be part of your life. Also…” he hesitated just for a second, “I’m flying out tonight. A one-way ticket overseas. So I’m really glad I got to attend your wedding before I leave.”
The room fell into brief silence. Then applause.
No one knew the hidden words behind his speech. No one knew the truth that sat silently between the lines.
After the ceremony, as guests began leaving, Evan found Sebastian one last time.
“Hey,” Evan said, pulling out a sealed envelope. “This is for you. Don’t open it now, okay?”
Sebastian looked at him, puzzled. “You’re really leaving tonight?”
Evan nodded, his smile calm but distant. “Yeah. There’s... just some things I need to figure out. A new chapter, I guess.”
“Why so sudden? You didn’t even mention—”
Evan cut him off gently. “Read the letter. My answer’s in there.”
He gave a short wave. “I’m really happy for you, Seb. I mean that. Wishing you the best, okay?”
And with that, he turned and walked away.
---
The plane soared into the darkening sky. Evan sat by the window, clutching the hem of his coat. The city lights below shimmered like stars, slowly fading into the clouds.
He stared down, his vision blurring.
A single tear slid down his cheek.
It wasn’t because he lost something.
It was because he loved too silently.
And let it go too quietly.
