Short Story: The Giving

She gave and gave and gave until her children had grown, her husband had flown and she had only one thing left to give.

Leaving everything in order, she locked the door to her immaculate home and headed out through her manicured garden towards the woodland.

She looked straight ahead, without a backwards glance at what once was her reality. Bare feet crossed already dampening grass, the hem of her white robe skimming longer stems as she walked.

Faces turned towards her in the moonlight as she approached. Blank expressions evolved into barely-visible smiles.

She accepted that it was time. She would be leaving nothing and be missed by nobody, so she had no reason for doubt.

With the smallest hint of a final sigh, she made her final sacrifice.