Chapter 22 — I Return From The Deep

“While on bail, she left voluntarily, combined with this threatening behavior——” Luc Tham said, “There is a high possibility that her bail decision will be revoked and she will be arrested.”

I put the glass of water on the tea table. Lean back on the sofa. Eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. So—— Giang Tu Hanh did not side with Song Uyen Nghi this time. He reported to the police. Hand her over to the police.

“What are you thinking?” Luc Tham asked.

“Nothing.” I closed my eyes.

Remember the last time he came to my apartment and said the words "I'll do whatever you want me to do", "I'll pay you with my life". At that time I didn't believe it. It's not because he's not sincere. But because I was hurt too deeply. Once trust is broken, it is broken and cannot be rebuilt. But today—— He made the right choice. First time. It could also be the only time. I don't know what this should count as. Doesn't count as forgiveness. It also doesn't count as reconciliation. Just——Okay. Finally, he did exactly the role of being a brother for once.

“Go to sleep,” Luc Tham patted my shoulder, “There are still many things to worry about tomorrow.”

I said "yes". Get up and go into the bedroom. At the door of the room, I turned to look at him. He was spreading out the folding bed in the living room. The light shined down, casting a long shadow.

“Luc Tham.”

“Huh?”

“Sleep well.”

He raised his head and pointed his chin at me. "Good night. Go to sleep quickly." I closed the room door. Lying on your bed. On the pillow there was a very faint smell of fabric softener. Clean. Peaceful. Close your eyes. First time. Truly feeling that——perhaps, continuing to live in this world is not just because of Ms. Trieu. But also for myself.

—

【Chapter 10】 Tong Uyen Nghi was officially arrested. The bail decision was canceled and he was sent to prison to await trial. The crime based on the old foundation was increased by an additional clause——threatening the safety of another person's life. Lawyer Chau said, combined with the charges, 5 to 7 years of imprisonment is a certainty. This story stops here. I won't think about her anymore. Preoperative assessment passed. The surgical team met twice, the final conclusion was——it was possible to operate. The tumor location has shrunk to the point where it can be removed. Surgery scheduled after three weeks. Three weeks. 21 days. I stood outside the hospital hallway, clutching the admission notice. Look again and again. Confirmation over and over again. It's real. All of these stories are true. One week before surgery. Luc Tham took me out for a walk. Don't go far. Point to the sea. Lam Hai city, located next to the sea. The beach in winter is very deserted. The wind blew fiercely, burning my face. He wrapped me in a wool scarf, wrapping it twice, leaving only my eyes exposed. We sat next to each other on the stone embankment. Look at the ocean waves crashing against the shore.

“Luc Tham.”

“Yes.”

“After this surgery——if everything goes well.”

“Yes.”

“I want to go back to school.”

He turned to look at me.

"My master's degree was revoked because I went to prison. But Professor On said, if Ms. Trieu's wrongful conviction can be overturned, I have the opportunity to appeal to restore my academic status."

“Then complain.”

“You may have to repeat the course for another two or three years.”

“Study.”

“I don't have money.”

“I do.”

I looked at him. His ears were red from the cold wind. But his face was very calm. As if these things were natural things to do.

“Luc Deep."

“Yes.”

“Do you… like me?”

The wind howled. His expression paused. Then very slowly, very slowly——he turned away. Overlooking the sea.

“Yes.” One word. Drowning in the sound of the wind. I almost didn't hear it.

I looked at his profile, my heart beating wildly. “Since when?” He didn't come back. Silence for a long time.

“That time in the hospital emergency department. She had a fever of 39 degrees, and while delirious, she held my hand tightly and did not let go.

I don't remember this at all.

“She held my hand and said a word.”