“Just days ago, Laura was diagnosed as beyond saving…”
“Eva, Robert has been executed. It’s too easy a’death. He deserved to be cut into pieces!”
I don’t remember how many years I’ve lingered under this osmanthus tree, only that Lucy visited almost every week.
With time, fine wrinkles appeared at the corners of her eyes. Still, she remained single.
I would sit quietly under the tree, feeling the breeze brush through the branches. I drifted with the wind and then floated back again. That was the only way I could pass the time.
Later, Lucy no longer came alone. A man stood by her side–her mate.
She said she was going far away and wouldn’t be able to visit every week anymore.
I floated up to the branch and gently dropped a blooming osmanthus blossom into her hand.
“Osmanthus sways in flower’s light, just like a friend who stays by my side…”
A
Lucy looked at the flower in her hand and smiled through her tears. Carrying my blessings and her hope for the future, she walked away with her partner.
Weekly visits became yearly ones.
Lucy, once always alone, now came with her mate. Later, a little girl trailed behind them.
I was content and sent blessings to them every day.
It was beautiful. The girl, once locked in the attic, now lived a full, happy life.
Later, Lucy told me that Laura had died from the poisoning.
My parents, too, passed away not long after, worn down by grief.
The child given to David was taken in by Robert’s parents to be raised.
The day after the child was taken, David jumped from the 18th floor. He died on the spot.
Nowered my head and drew circles on
e ground.
Life was a circle, and now all of them had said goodbye.
As time passed, Lucy’s child grew up. They would greet me, and the osmanthus tree would sway and creak.
I don’t know how many years I’ve been dead, bur
my soul grew lighter and more transparent.
“Lucy, goodbye! Goodbye, kids!”
1/2
It was time to say
farewell.
I waved to Lucy.
Just as I was about to vanish, I saw Lucy already in tears, looking at me and waving back.
“Eva, goodbye! In the next life, let’s be best friends again!”
