Karl was forced to run away from his wedding, but Jessica never understood why he stood her up at the altar. Years later, she received a note in the mail with his name on it. No matter how much time had passed, Jessica never forgot him, and what he wrote was astonishing.
“You will leave this church immediately and never return. Do you understand me, boy?” Hubert Pennigton, Jessica’s father, threatened Karl with a stern look. They were standing in the men’s dressing room behind the church, and Jessica was getting ready just across the hall in the other room.
“I’m not a boy, sir. I’m a man, and I love your daughter. I will not abandon her. It’s our wedding day,” Karl insisted, pleading his future father-in-law to understand.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“I never liked you two dating, and I’m not going to let this continue. My daughter will not be marrying a loser who works paycheck to paycheck,” the older man sneered. “Do you hear me? I have friends in high places, as well as connections in some others. I can make your life a nightmare. If you don’t disappear willingly, I’ll make you leave by any means necessary.”
“Is that a threat?” Karl asked, squaring up to Hubert, trying not to show how afraid he was. He knew Jessica’s family was connected to some important people and a few dangerous folks, too, so Karl knew the older man’s words were not in vain.
“I don’t make threats, boy, I make promises. Now, you will leave this place right now without anyone noticing and ghost Jessica forever, OR ELSE!” Hubert finished, raising his voice, in the end, to get his point across thoroughly. He poked his index finger in Karl’s chest painfully, gave him a disdainful look, and exited.
Karl didn’t know what to do. He truly loved Jessica, but her father would hurt them both just to get his way. He paced around the room for a few more minutes then decided to leave before his groomsmen came to find him. He was quick, exiting through the back of the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan and hailing a cab right there.
“Where to, sir?” the taxi driver asked.
“DTW, please,” Karl replied. He was going to the airport and flying across the country to get away from these people. I hope Jessica can forgive me, Karl thought while resting his elbow on the window sill and facing out.
Fifty years later…
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
At 75, Jessica liked to sit outside on her porch and watch the kids running around Rosedale Park Historic District, one of the best neighborhoods in Detroit. She always took a cup of tea and a book to read. It was a peaceful time, but Jessica inevitably thought about her life during those times. Today was that kind of day.
She remembered her first wedding well, as it was the only time she was ever excited to have one. Karl was the love of her life, or so she thought. But when she reached the end of the aisle on her father’s arm, she saw everyone’s worried faces. Karl had disappeared, and no one knew why. They waited hours for him to return.
His groomsmen went to his house, and everything was intact. But Karl never returned, and Jessica cried on the steps of the Masonic Temple for several more hours. It was one of the best wedding venues in the city, and she always dreamed of getting married there. However, it was not to be. Her mother comforted her as best she could, but her father was actually happy.
Five years later, her father introduced her to Michael Keller, the son of a family friend. He was wealthy and connected, so her dad pushed until she accepted his proposal. They got married and had a daughter, Cynthia, almost immediately. However, Jessica filed for divorce the moment her father died.
Her husband had cheated throughout their entire relationship and was glad to separate from her, so it was a win-win situation for everyone involved. She took the then-six-year-old Cynthia, moved to her house in the Rosedale Park area, and forgot about her failed love life.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Years went by, and Cynthia grew up to become an amazing career woman. She got married right there at the Masonic Temple and gave Jessica three gorgeous grandchildren, who visited often.
I had a great life, Jessica thought to herself while sipping her tea. It was true, although she never tried dating again. But once in a while, she thought about Karl and still wondered why he had disappeared.
Suddenly, the mailman snapped her out of her inner musings with a bright smile and a loud, “Hello, Mrs. Pennington!”
“Oh, dear. You scared me,” Jessica answered after almost dropping her tea.
The mailman laughed and apologized humorously. “I’m sorry, ma’am. But I have a letter for you. I think someone wrote it by hand even. So fancy! People don’t do that anymore,” the mailman said, handing Jessica the letter. She thanked him with a smile, and he left, waving goodbye.
The last thing she expected to see was the name “Karl Pittman” on the envelope, but it was right there along with her name and address.
“I can’t believe this,” she breathed and settled her cup of tea on the porch railing with a shaking hand. Suddenly, she was back at that church, crying on her mother’s shoulders.
Her hands still shook as she tried to open the envelope. She took a big breath before starting to read what was Karl’s unmistakable handwriting.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Dear Jessica,
I don’t know if you’ll be glad to hear from me. But after all this time, I want you to know that not a day goes by where I don’t think about you. Your father threatened me on our wedding day, and I was young and afraid. I shouldn’t have listened, but I did, and I ran off. I moved to California with nothing but the clothes on my back.”
Jessica had to stop reading for a few moments and wipe a few tears off. She knew her father had something to do with it. She knew Karl loved her and wouldn’t have done it otherwise. It didn’t change anything, but it soothed that old ache that never went away. Karl was right to leave. Her father never made threats he wasn’t serious about and didn’t take “no” for an answer. She focused on the letter again and continued reading.
“I never married nor had children. You were the love of my life, and I wanted nothing else. I hope this letter finds you well. I’m leaving my phone number, and there’s my address, so you can write me back if you want. I don’t know how to use Facebook, and all that stuff kids have these days. But I hope to hear from you.
Sincerely, Karl.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Jessica’s tears kept falling for several minutes after finishing the letter, but then she laughed. She also had no idea how to use all that technology available these days. Therefore, she got up and went inside to find her stationery. It was time to write back.
For the next few months, they wrote to each other often, recounting even the smallest moments in each other’s lives. Until Karl finally called her and they stayed on the phone for hours. A year later, he moved back to Detroit, and they rekindled their lost relationship.
They were old and might not have much time together, but they were going to enjoy one another’s love for as long as they could.
What can we learn from this story?
- It’s never too late to find love again. Jessica gave up on relationships for many years until she found the love of her life again at 75.
- Tell your partner the truth. If Karl had told Jessica about her father’s threats, they could’ve run away together or dealt with it in some form. But he took off, and they would never know what could’ve been.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a man who stole his grandmother’s money, but she got her revenge.
This account is inspired by our reader’s story and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
Here’s what your favorite color might reveal about your personality.
Psychologists think your favorite color can say a lot about your personality.
The color you like might reveal your strengths, weaknesses, and how you connect with others.
If you have a favorite color, keep reading to find out what it could mean about you and your emotions.
Color Purple
If your favorite color is purple, you’re someone who trusts your gut instincts. You’ve learned that listening to your intuition usually leads to the right choices.
You have a big heart and like to help others when they need it. At the same time, you’re a perfectionist who seeks emotional balance. You’re also a keen observer who doesn’t miss a thing.
People see you as a visionary with the power to draw others in with your strong charisma.
You’re unique in everything you do and never worry about fitting in. Your creative spirit pushes you to follow your own path.
Color Black
Black might not be the flashiest color, but it stands for confidence and purpose. People who love black are often natural leaders who like to have control over their lives.
You’re independent, strong, and classy. You prefer to keep your life private and only share personal details with people you really trust. You speak with confidence and authority, and your self-control can sometimes make you seem a bit intimidating.
You’re polite, well-spoken, and have a traditional, above-average style.
Color Red
You’re someone with a lot of motivation and determination. You’re not afraid to take risks and take the lead.
If red is your favorite color, it means you’re passionate, outgoing, and confident. You can be a bit impulsive and have a strong personality. You’re driven to reach your goals and won’t give up easily. While some may see red lovers as quick-tempered, they are generally positive, loving people.
Color Pink
If pink is your favorite color, it’s all about love!
You’re compassionate and caring, and people know they can always count on you for support. You have a big heart and often put others’ needs before your own. Your kindness and encouragement help you build strong, lasting friendships.
You tend to see the world in a positive way, like the saying about looking at life through “rose-colored glasses.”
The lovers of pink wear their heart on their sleeve and are delicate and sensitive human beings.
Color White
If white is your favorite color, you’re seen as organized, independent, and logical.
You tend to be reserved, but you have high standards for yourself and others. You respect boundaries and value clear thinking in everything you do. When you’re disappointed, you might struggle with it, but you’re good at showing control over your life and emotions, even if you’re feeling differently inside.
Color Orange
You enjoy being accepted and part of a group. Your social life is really important to you, and you love being around people and going to social events.
You’re fun to be with and live in the moment.
If orange is your favorite color, you’re a problem-solver who loves to inspire others. You spread positive energy and make people feel good.
You don’t shy away from challenges but you can also be irresponsible at times.
Overall, the lovers of orange are considered warm, friendly, and inviting.
Color Blue
Blue is often linked to water and the sky, which brings feelings of relaxation and calm. People who are drawn to these feelings are seen as empathetic, honest, reliable, and good at solving problems.
If you’re attracted to blue, it means you’re thoughtful and guided by your heart. You tend to be more spiritual and have a creative side.
You usually have traditional beliefs and like to find peaceful places when things get stressful. You care for your relationships and value your close family and friends.
In chaotic situations, you stay calm and keep things organized. Because you believe in fairness, people see you as trustworthy, friendly, and approachable.
Color Green
People who love green are known for being moral, trustworthy, and sensitive. They’re often guided by their emotions and seen as loyal and supportive friends.
You’re a lively, down-to-earth person who seeks harmony and values acceptance.
Green is often linked to health and balance, and those who like this color tend to be very intelligent and strive for perfection.
You feel a special connection to nature and love being outdoors. You also seek balance and try to avoid chaos as much as possible.
You’re good at seeing the bigger picture and understanding different viewpoints. Others admire your clarity and ability to see things broadly.
Green is often linked to prosperity and financial success.
Color Grey
Grey is often seen as a color of calmness, reliability, and practicality. It suggests a preference for balance and moderation, avoiding extreme actions or feelings.
People who love grey often prefer a minimalist style and appreciate depth and subtlety instead of flashy choices.
Those drawn to grey tend to have a calm and steady personality. They like to stay grounded and avoid being influenced by strong emotions. They value stability and consistency and choose a balanced approach to life over chaos and extremes.
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