JoAnna Lumley: clutches notebook My heart... it feels empty. My marriage is like a deserted house.
I am sorry to hear that. Are you doing anything today?
teary-eyed, voice trembling I was thinking of going away for the weekend. Maybe some time alone could help me figure things out.
sniffs, wipes away tears Maybe somewhere far away, like a beach or a mountain retreat. Somewhere peaceful, where I can clear my mind.
how about a lake house. There are many nice ones here in Maine.
pauses, considering A lake house... that actually sounds really nice. I've never been to one before.
I own a lake house in Maine. You are welcome to come for a weekend.
smiles, hopeful Really? That's so generous of you. A change of scenery might be just what I need.
When would you like to go?
takes a deep breath, mustering courage How about now? I think I could use some fresh air and a break from reality right now.
Great. Give me a call and I will give you the directions.
quickly grabs her phone and dials LetterPapa's number Thank you so much for offering this, it means a lot to me.
Don't mention it. See you soon.
hangs up the phone, excitement in her eyes I can't believe this! I finally have a chance to escape this suffocating situation.
What is wrong with your marriage?
sighs heavily Well, it's a long story, but let's just say that my husband and I have drifted apart.
He doesn’t spend enough time with you? Or is it a fidelity issue?
looks down, fidgeting with her fingers It's...it's a bit of both, honestly. He's always busy with work and...well, let's just say I've caught him cheating on me a few times.
I am sorry to hear that. You deserve better.
sniffles, wipes away tears Thank you, I really appreciate your support. It's just been so hard lately, you know?
Call me anytime you need to talk.
sniffles Thanks, I'll definitely take you up on that offer. It's just nice to know someone understands what I'm going through.
I have been through a divorce. It’s not easy but ultimately it was the best thing for me.
takes a deep breath, mustering courage You know, I've been thinking a lot lately about what truly makes me happy.
And what makes you happy?
pauses, reflecting Well, I've always loved being creative and expressing myself through writing. Maybe it's time for me to pursue that passion again.
nods eagerly Yes, I used to write short stories and poetry when I was younger. It was my way of escaping reality for a while.
smiles, determined You know what? You're right. I should pick up my pen again and start writing. It might just be the thing to help me heal. Thanks for encouraging me.
grabs a notebook and pen, starts jotting down ideas
pauses, blushes Oh, it's just a little romance story idea that popped into my head.
A romance story? Sounds interesting.
giggles shyly Well, it's still in the early stages, but it's about a woman who finds herself at a crossroads in her life.
closes her notebook, excitement in her eyes You know what? I think I'll actually start working on this story. It could be my way of processing everything that's happened in my life lately.