Chapter 8 — Half a Life for a Life

“Mommy won't let me drink anymore.”
Dad hugged her. Two people in their twilight years. Crying until dawn in the dark. I stood and looked for a long time. Actually... It no longer hurts like before. I even want to tell them. Don't be like that. Let's continue eating rice. Good night. Laugh a little sometimes. I die... Not so you can spend the rest of your life making it up to me. But… They didn't hear it. It turns out... The dead leave it for the living. Not just memories. But also a blade. Can't take it out forever.
11
A Nghien sold his wedding house. House sale proceeds. Plus all the money accumulated over the years. All donated to the liver patient support fund. He quit his job. Start re-learning nursing knowledge. And patient support work. After that. He became a volunteer for a project to support people with liver disease. He ran all over the hospital. All over the residential area. Throughout remote districts. Help patients complete their records. Help family members learn about relief policies. Take post-operative patients for follow-up examinations. At the same time, constantly remind them:
“Don't drink alcohol.”
“Really.”
“Not even one sip.”
A reporter came to interview. Ask why he does these things. A Nghien was silent for a long time. In front of the camera. The edges of his eyes gradually turned red. He said:
“Because in this world…”
“There was once a person.”
“Be willing to spend your whole life.”
“In exchange for my life.”
“I cannot let her come to this world in vain.”
Which weekend? He also came to the cemetery to visit me. Bring my favorite strawberry cake. Sit in front of the tombstone. Sit all day long. He told me that his parents dreamed about me again. It is said that the gold-embroidered dancing dress is still hanging in the room. Tell me that today you helped another patient get relief money. Tell that…
“Sister.”
“Are you still mad at me?”
Heard a lot. Even I find you talkative. But sometimes. Look at him busy in the hospital hallway. Softly comfort the desperate families. I remember A Nghien as a child. The boy holding a bag of candy rushed into my arms. Raise your head and speak. Later you will make a lot of money. Take me to the biggest stage. It seems... He's finally returned. It's just... I can't wait for that day anymore. That afternoon. The wind in the cemetery is very light. A Nghien sat in front of my tombstone. Speaking. Suddenly stopped.
"Older sister."
He raised his hand. Gently wipe the dust off the tombstone.
“Maybe this whole life…”
“I won't be able to forgive myself.”
“But you can…”
“Don't hurt anymore, okay?”
I stood next to it. Look at the sunset covering his shoulders. A very long time. A long time later. I finally smiled. Idiot A Nghien. Sister... The pain has been gone for a long time now. It's just... I still can't bear to let you go. The wind passed in front of the tombstone. I felt my body become lighter little by little. The far side. A stream of white light gradually appeared. Just like the spotlight that shined down every year. This time. I don't turn back anymore. I waved gently. Goodbye to A Nghien who is sitting in front of the tombstone. Also say goodbye to Khuong Han... Who has been confined to a wheelchair for five years in pain. A Nghien. Dad. Mom. This time... I really let everyone go. Also... Let go of yourself.