I've loved my mother's desk since I was just tall enough to see above the top of it as Mother sat writing letters. Standing by her chair, looking at the ink bottle, pens and white paper, I decided that the act of writing must be the most wonderful thing in the world.
Years later, during her final illness, Mother kept different things for my sister and brother. "But the desk," she said again, "is for Elizabeth."
I never saw her angry, never saw her cry. I knew she loved me and she showed it in action. But as a young girl, I wanted to have heart-to-heart talks between mother and daughter.
They never happened and a gulf opened between us. I was "emotional (易动感情的)", but she lived "on the surface (表面)".
As years passed, I had my own family. I loved my mother and thanked her for our happy family. I wrote to her in careful words and asked her to let me know in any way that she did forgive me.
I posted the letter and waited for her answer. None came. My hope turned to disappointment then little interest and, finally, peace — it seemed that nothing happened. I couldn't be sure that the letter had been sent to her. But the present of her desk told me, as she'd never been able to, that she was pleased that writing was my chosen work. I cleaned the desk carefully and found some papers inside a photo of my father and a one-page letter, folded and refolded many times. It was my letter.
Give me an answer, my letter asks.in any way you choose. Mother, you always choose the act that speaks louder than words.
