The Letter in the Drawer
Listen To The Following Reading
It had been several years back when Maria packed away the box that now sat in her desk drawer—one she hadn’t opened since moving into her new apartment. She had meant to throw it out countless times but somehow never could. That morning, after spilling coffee on a stack of papers, she decided to clear out the drawer once and for all.
The air smelled faintly of old paper and cedar. Inside the box were old receipts, postcards, and at the very bottom—a letter. Her handwriting was smaller then, more hopeful. It was addressed to herself, dated five years earlier.
She unfolded it carefully. The words were simple but heavy. “By now, you should have found peace with what happened. You should be smiling again.”
Maria sank into her chair, rereading the lines that once felt like promises. Her younger self had written about goals, relationships, and dreams she thought she’d chase forever. Some she had; others had fallen by the wayside. She smiled faintly, realizing how easily people get caught up in who they think they should be rather than who they become.
The sound of rain against the window pulled her back to the present. She folded the letter and placed it back in the box, whispering, “I guess you’d be proud of me… just not for the reasons you imagined.”
She closed the drawer gently, deciding to hold on to the letter—not as a reminder of regret, but as proof that time teaches in quiet ways.
How Would You Use The Following
Idioms
fallen by the wayside – to be forgotten or abandoned over time
get caught up (in something) – to become overly involved or preoccupied
Phrasal Verbs
clear out – to clean or empty something completely
hold on (to) – to keep or retain something meaningful
Relative Time Expression
several years back
Inference & Discussion Questions
What does the letter reveal about how Maria has changed over the years?
Why does she decide to keep it instead of throwing it away?
How do the idioms reflect the difference between her past hopes and present peace?
What does the act of “clearing out” symbolize emotionally?
What mood does the rain help create near the end?
How does this story suggest that growth often happens quietly?
