Chapter 13 — Rain Stops, Heaven Clears

Read all afternoon. Until sunset falls. He just stood up and left. The next day. You come again. Day three. He gradually became the most frequent customer of the bookstore. Between us. There wasn't too much conversation. Just every time we accidentally make eye contact. They both smiled. I don't know what your name is. Don't know where he came from either. But I can feel it. He is a person with many stories. In his eyes. There was the same calmness as me. That is the calmness that only those who have gone through storms and seen through the world can have. One day. There were a few drunk guys in the bar who came to cause trouble. They teased the female employee. Still trying to play tricks on me. I'm about to call the police. Then the man stood up. He stood in front of me. The figure is not too tall. But extremely steadfast.

“You guys are drunk.”

His voice was calm. But it carries unquestionable pressure.

“Leave now.”

“I'll pretend nothing happened.”

The drunkards were startled by his aura. Cursing a few words. The bookstore became quiet again. I walked in front of him.

"Thank you."

He turned around. Smiling at me.

“My name is Lam Tham.”

“Deep inside and deep.”

“I am To Tinh.”

I also smiled.

“Love in the clear sky after the rain.”

We already know each other like that. Only later did I know. He is a lawyer. Once an outstanding figure in the world. But because of a lawsuit. Offending someone in authority. Revocation of professional license. It also involves the whole family. So disappointed. He left that city. Come to this place. Change your name and last name. Live a quiet life. We are the same type of people. Both have been deeply hurt by the past. They also each choose their own way to make peace with the past. We gradually had a lot of common topics. From the law. To literature. From trips. To the meaning of life. We are like two lone wolves. Silently licking wounds in the dark. Then he was attracted to the other person. Warm each other. I feel more relieved than ever. I don't need a disguise. No need to force yourself to appear strong. I just need to... Be myself. One rainy afternoon. The bookstore has no customers. Lam Tham and I sat by the window. Enjoy a cup of hot tea together. The speaker in the shop was playing a gentle folk song. He called my name. I raised my head to look at him. His eyes were extremely serious.

“From next month…”

“I will go to Lam City.”

He said softly.

“Your law license has been reinstated.”

“There is a case that needs you to return to handle.”

My heart suddenly stopped. A feeling of loss that is hard to name rose up in my heart. But I still smile.

“That's good.”

“Congratulations.”

He just looked at me quietly. Say nothing. We remained silent. Outside the window. The rain is still falling a little. Smash down the bluestone path. Form each wavy circle. A long time later. He just spoke again.

“Come with me.”

My breathing stopped for a second. I looked at him. Look at your own silhouette reflected in those deep eyes. There is tension. There are expectations. And also a gentleness that I have never seen before. I didn't answer right away. I stood up. Step in front of the bookshelf. Pretend to rearrange the books. My heart very confusing. Come with me to Lam city? Leaving the peaceful place I found with so much difficulty? Return to that world full of fighting and scheming? Can it really be done? I turned my head to look at him. He was still sitting there. Quietly waiting for my answer. Don't urge. No forcing. It seems... Whatever decision I make. I will also respect you. Right at that moment. I suddenly remembered my mother. Everyone lives in the expectations of others. Be a good son. A good wife. A good mother. The only decision she ever made was for herself. Is to marry my father. That decision. Brought her a short period of happiness. But it also led her to the final tragedy. What about me? Half a life ago. I live only for revenge. I won. I sent everyone who hurt me to hell. But then what? My life... Shouldn't be all about revenge. My life. There should have been love. Sunny. There is a future. But Lam Tham. It is the person who can bring me that light and that future. I took a deep breath. Step back in front of him. In his eyes full of expectation. I nodded slightly. I just said one word. His eyes immediately lit up. Bright as the brightest star in the night sky. He stood up. Pull me into your arms. His arms are very warm. Brings a sense of peace that makes people feel secure. I rested my head on his chest. Listen to that strong and steady heartbeat. Outside the window. The rain has since stopped. A rainbow streaked silently across the horizon. From this moment. My life. It's really... The rain stopped and the sky was clear.