Chapter 24 — Puppets Under the Lights

That weekend, as promised, Diem My arrived at Minh Long's house early, bringing a few boxes of things and a willingness to help. Minh Long's parents welcomed her warmly, and his mother even prepared some fruit cake for the two of them to snack on while working.

Earlier in the middle of the week, Minh Long's mother successfully contacted the broker, and fortunately, the buyer agreed to extend for another ten days before officially handing over the premises, enough time for the family to complete the classification and relocation of what needed to be kept. That news helped Minh Long breathe a sigh of relief and have more space and time to complete everything thoughtfully, without having to rush in panic like the first days.

"The workshop is so beautiful," Diem My said as she walked in, her eyes looking around with respect, even though this was her second time coming here. "Every time I come here, I feel something different, as if this space still holds your grandfather's breath."

"I feel the same way," Minh Long replied, smiling slightly. "Maybe that's why I want to keep a part of it, even if it's just small items."

The two began the work of sorting, carefully cleaning each puppet before packing them into two groups - those to keep for the family and those to donate to the club. While working, Minh Long told Diem My about each puppet, the story behind them, and the special techniques he applied to each item, making the working session like a lively museum tour, full of touching stories.

"This one," Minh Long said, holding up a peacock puppet with an extremely elaborately carved tail feather, "he made the village festival when I was ten years old. This was the first time I stood next to him performing in front of a crowd, even though I was just a small supporting role. I remember I was so shaken that I dropped the entire pole of the puppet into the water right in the middle of the performance."

Diem My laughed at the story, imagining the scene of ten-year-old Minh Long clumsily dropping his puppet pole. "So how did you react?"

"He just laughed, jumped into the water to retrieve the pole, then continued acting as if nothing happened," Minh Long said, his voice warm and full of nostalgia. "Then he told me, 'Errors are part of the art of living, my son. The important thing is that you know how to improvise, know how to make mistakes a part of the story, not let them ruin everything.'"

"Your grandfather really has many profound philosophies," Diem My said, her eyes filled with admiration. "I wish I could see him more."

"I think he'll really like you," Minh Long said, this time not as awkward as the first time he blurted out the same thing. "He always appreciates people who have perseverance and sincerity in their profession, and you certainly have both of those things."

Diem My smiled, her cheeks blushing slightly at that sincere compliment. They continued working in a warm, intimate atmosphere, occasionally stopping to rest, eating cakes and fruits prepared by Minh Long's mother, and chatting about all sorts of topics, from childhood memories to future plans.

By mid-afternoon, when most of the sorting work had been completed, Minh Long led Diem My to the dragon puppet he was working on, which was now almost finished, only missing the final layer of paint and the control wires. "Do you want to help me finish it?" he asked, a slight hesitation in his voice.

Diem My nodded immediately, her eyes shining with excitement. "I really want to, but I don't know the techniques, I'm afraid I'll ruin it."

"It's okay, I'll guide you," Minh Long said, giving her a small brush and showing her how to mix the paint according to the exact formula he used. The two of them sat together at the carpenter's table, meticulously painting each layer of paint on the dragon puppet's body. The quiet atmosphere was filled with only the gentle sound of the paintbrush and the steady breathing of both of them.

"You know," Diem My said, eyes still focused on her work, "I think this is one of the most beautiful afternoons I've ever had. Not because anything special happened, but simply because I was here, with you, doing something meaningful like this."

Minh Long stopped, looked at her, a warm feeling filled his chest. “I think so too,” he said. "I think, when I imagined completing this puppet, I never thought I would do it with someone other than myself. But now, with you here, everything feels much more complete."

Diem My looked up at him, her eyes filled with sincere emotions. "I think, maybe this is what I wanted to say for a long time, but never had the right opportunity. I love you, Minh Long. Not just because of what you have done for the club, but because of who you are, because of the way you face loss with both courage and gentleness."

Hearing those words, Minh Long's heart seemed to stop beating for a moment, then beat quickly again with an unusually bustling rhythm. "I love you too," he replied, his voice shaking with emotion but filled with certainty. "A long time ago, I think, I just haven't had the courage to say it out loud."

They put down their paintbrushes and looked at each other in that meaningful moment of silence. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the small window of the wood workshop, dyeing the whole space in a warm yellow color. Minh Long reached out and gently touched Diem My's cheek, and the two slowly leaned closer to each other. A gentle, sweet kiss took place in the middle of a wood workshop space full of memories, as an affirmation of the feelings that had silently grown between the two over the past few months.

When they separated, they both smiled, a little embarrassed but full of happiness. "I think your grandfather would be very happy to witness this moment," Diem My said, her voice still shaking slightly.

"I think so too," Minh Long replied, smiling and looking around the wood workshop space, which is now not only associated with the sad memory of his passing, but has also become a place to witness a new beginning, sweet and full of hope for the future of both of them.

They returned to work, completing the final coat of paint for the dragon puppet in the sunset gradually falling outside the small window. When the last layer of paint was completed, Minh Long took a step back, admiring his work and Diem My, the dragon puppet was now gorgeous with shiny golden scales, eyes dotted with small beads sparkling under the factory lights.

"So beautiful," Diem My exclaimed, unable to hide her admiration. "I can't believe this is the puppet we just finished. It's as beautiful as a true work of art."

"That's because most of the effort is yours," Minh Long said, modestly but unable to hide his pride. "I'm just finishing what he started. But I think, with your help, this puppet has an additional special meaning — not only is it his legacy, but it's also a symbol of our new beginning."

Diem My smiled, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment. "What are you going to do with this puppet? Keep it at home, or take it to the club?"

Minh Long thought for a moment before answering. "I think, maybe I will bring it to the Club, put it in the most solemn position in the corner of the display commemorating him. I want everyone, especially new members in the future, to see it, hear its story, to understand that heritage is not something frozen in the past, but something that can continue to be perfected, nurtured by new hands and hearts."

"I think it was a beautiful decision," Diem My said, gently squeezing his hand. "And I think, every time people look at that puppet, they will not only remember your grandfather, but also remember the story of how the legacy can be continued through the love and perseverance of those who stay behind."

Dusk gradually fell completely outside, and the two decided to clean up and pack up the remaining tools before leaving the workshop. Before locking the door, Minh Long stood for a moment, looking inside at the space that was now much tidier than what he witnessed eight months ago, and felt a complete peace that he had never dared to hope he could achieve, during the past tumultuous journey.

Diem My came next to him, took his hand, and they both looked at the wood workshop space one last time before turning off the lights. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, noticing the pensive look on his face.

"It's okay," Minh Long replied, gently squeezing her hand. "I'm just thinking, even though this place is about to no longer belong to my family, the most important things - the technique, the love for the profession, and the memories - have been taken away, no one can take them away. Maybe that's what's really important, not these four walls."

Diem My nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "I think your grandfather would be very proud to see you realize that." They turned off the lights, locked the workshop door for the last time that day, and walked out together under the night sky that had just fallen, the first starlight peeking out, like a gentle welcome to the new chapter about to open in both of their lives.