Chapter 23 — After the Cracks, I Become Myself

Tong Thanh Nghi also raised his glass.

"Dear 'Tang Khau.'"

On Nhuoc Van looked at the two friends in front of him. Then raise your glass.

"For the past two and a half years."

"It's all my life."

The three glasses gently touched each other. After the exhibition ends. On Nhuoc Van returned to Loc Khe. Loc Khe started to warm up. Cinnamon tree in the yard. Young leaf shoots have sprouted. The sweet scent of last fall. It has long disappeared into the wind. But the tree. Dau Bao lies in the sun on the yard wall. The tail swings lazily. It's fatter than two years ago. Also lazier than two years ago. Wen Ruo Wan pulled a bamboo chair. Sit in the middle of the yard. Do nothing. Just raise your head. Watching the clouds slowly pass by. It's been a long time. She's only had one day. Nothing to do. The past few months. Setting up the exhibition. It's like being caught up in a machine. Never stop moving. Everything stopped. So quiet. The sound of wind can be heard. Glide through each cinnamon leaf. On Nhuoc Van closed his eyes. Two and a half years ago. She also used to sit in this yard. But then. She is empty. Don't know. What else can I do? And now. Not stuff stuffed in by the world. Not a prize. Not an exhibition. Nor are the articles. Fullness. Grow from within yourself. She already knew. Who am I? What can I do? Am I worthy or not? For two and a half years. She is always looking for answers. For that question.

"Am I worthy?"

Come today. Only she can truly answer. Not.

"In the first place, that question should not have existed."

A human. No need for anything external. To prove myself worthy. No need for a happy marriage. No need for a gold medal. No need for a solo exhibition. Herself. It was worth it. Still worth it. Even though it's full of cracks. Still worth it. Healed. Well deserved. No healing. “Still worthy.” That's the most important thing. Which she learned. And from the cracks. Afternoon. Wen Nhuoc Van went to Mr. Tham's pottery workshop. The main flower vase. Sent from Shanghai. It has been placed in the most prominent position at the entrance. The Cultural Station set up a small board.

"Work of artist Wen Nhuoc Van, Loc Khe town. Donated artifacts on display."

Wen Nhuoc Van looked at the board. Laughed softly.

"Artisan of Loc Khe town."

That title. Much better.

"Young Artist."

"Golden Award Champion."

Mr. Tham sat on a wooden chair in front of the door. Health is much better than before Tet.

"How was the exhibition?"

Mr. Tham asked.

"It's okay."

He glanced at her.

"My manager called you."

"I'm so happy I'm about to cry."

"But you just said..."

On Nhuoc Van burst out laughing. Then sat down next to him.

"It's really just fine."

"The exhibition is over."

"I'm back too."

"Life."

"We still have to continue here."

Mr. Tham looked at her.

"What's next."

"What are you going to do?"

"Do new things."

Wen Nhuoc Van looked at the familiar tools in the workshop. Gentle eyes.

"Invitation from Echig sumari."

"I accepted."

"Will participate next year."

"But before that..."

"I want to spend a little more time."

"For class here."

"Teaching?"

"Little Ngu is very talented."

"I want to focus on guiding her."

Mr. Tham nodded slightly. Say nothing. A moment later. He suddenly woke up language.

"From day one."

"I'm going to Loc Khe."

"You already know."

"I'm not a normal person."

Wen Nhuoc Van was slightly stunned.

"But then."

"Your whole being."

"All gray."

He looked at the mountains in the distance.

"The things you made."

"Also grey."

"But there's no life."

"What about now?"

"Now..."

He smiled.

"Enough strength."

Wen Nhuoc Van looked at his profile. Bridge your nose again.

"Mr. Tham."

"Thank you."

"I took care of you."

"Thank you for what."

He waved his hand.

"I took care of the kiln for you for two years."

"That's enough to pay."

Sitting in the spring sunshine. No one said anything more. There are birds singing. It's the sound of gurgling stream water. All fit. Wen Ruowan received a letter. Not email. It's a handwritten letter. Postmark. Comes from Shanghai. It is Pho Hanh Chi's handwriting. The letter is not long. He came to see the exhibition. He understood those three cracks. One line is welded. One line is accepted. And a line is let down. He belongs to the third choice. I did not choose to heal the rift between us. I leave it there. Then step through that gap. Go much further than you. I'm truly happy that you have become the person you are today. That day gave him five minutes in the noodle shop. Those five minutes. It's very important to you. Not because it changes the outcome. I decided a long time ago. But because of those five minutes. I looked straight into your eyes. Let me know. I've really given up. Makes me feel much more at ease than if you hate me. I won't text you anymore. Not because I don't want to. But because it shouldn't. My life. There is no longer any need for him to stand quietly in a corner to watch. Wish you all the best. Deputy Hanh Chi. Wen Ruowan read the letter twice. She folded it. Place in file bag. Put it with the sketchbook. The earring. And old photo. She didn't feel sad. Just feel. It's really closed. There's nothing left to regret. She walked out onto the field. May in Loc Khe. Cinnamon leaves are dark green. Dau Bao slept under the shade of a tree. Snore softly. The sound of the stream gurgling like a thin thread. On Nhuoc Van stood in the middle of the field. Take a deep breath. In the air. Has an earthy smell. The smell of grass. And even some smoke left from the furnace. It's her smell. It's the smell of this small yard. It's the smell of Loc Khe. The phone suddenly vibrated. It's a message from Tieu Ngu.

"Miss On! My practice this week is finished! When can you come and see? It's so beautiful!!!"

On Nhuoc Van burst out laughing. She replied. Just two words. Then put the phone in your pocket. Push the yard gate. Step into the warm May breeze. Behind the back. The gate was still ajar. Sunlight filtered through the door. Falling all over the yard. Dau Bao turned over. Then continue to sleep well.