Chapter 3 — The Day I Return

Five days, then gone. Simple. Fluency. Has nothing to do with Ky Lang. Before falling asleep, the last thought in my mind was: How long did he wait at the airport?
— Forget it.
It's no longer my job. **【Chapter 2】** At nine o'clock the next morning, the Funeral Home. The autumn sunlight is very pale, shining on the white walls, bringing an indescribable cold feeling. I wore a black turtleneck sweater over a gray dinner jacket, and my hair was tied in a simple low ponytail. Nguyen Tieu Ngu followed behind, holding a document bag. The working lobby was not very crowded, so we took a number and waited in the waiting area.
“Number 137.” Nguyen Tieu Ngu looked at the ticket in his hand, "There are two more people ahead."
I said "Yes" and opened my phone to process emails. The Zurich laboratory sent the latest data, there is an important parameter that is off, I need to confirm the next plan. I was typing a reply when out of the corner of my eye I suddenly saw a pair of black leather shoes stopping in front of me. Brown pant legs. Dark blue jacket hem. My finger stopped.
"Diabetes."
A woman's voice. I raised my head. Giang Ninh is standing in front of me. After three years of not seeing her, she had become thinner and had light dark circles under her eyes. Even though she used concealer, she couldn't hide them. Her hair is cut shoulder-length, her makeup is still delicate, but behind that sophistication is a tired look. She looked at me, her lips moving twice, as if trying to form words.
“How did you know I was here?” My voice was very flat, as if I was asking what the weather was like today.
“Sister… the lawyer told me.” She clutched the handle of her bag in her hand, "Dad's grave, I am also a close relative, I should also be present."
"OH." I withdrew my gaze and continued to answer the email, "Then let's sign it later."
She just stood there, not sitting down, nor leaving. Silence for about ten seconds.
“Tieu Duong, I —”
“No. 137, please come to counter 3.”
The loudspeaker rang out. I stood up, took the file bag from Nguyen Tieu Ngu's hand, without looking back walked straight to the counter. Behind, Nguyen Tieu Ngu whispered: "Is that your sister?" I don't answer. While checking in at the counter, I felt her standing behind me, maintaining a distance of more than a meter. Not far, not near. Just like our relationship. The procedure went very smoothly, signatures, fingerprints, and confirmation of relocation date. The staff asked: "Do you two family members need to go together to choose the direction for the new grave site?"
“We'll go see it this afternoon.” I replied.
“Okay, let's meet at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the main gate of the new cemetery.”
I stowed my papers then turned around to face Giang Ninh. She looked at me, her eyes slightly red.
"Tieu Duong, can we have lunch together this afternoon? I have something to tell you —"
“I have a meeting this afternoon.”
That's a lie. But I don't want to eat with you.
“So… what about after viewing the tomb in the afternoon?”
“I have to meet the Deputy Mayor at four o'clock.”
This is real. Her lips pursed and she nodded: "So... what about tonight?"
“I need to rest in the evening, tomorrow I have to survey the industrial park.”
In the end, she didn't ask anymore. The eye sockets became even redder, but there were no tears. She tried to keep her shoulders straight and took a step back.
"Okay. I'll be busy."
When she turned around to leave, she paused, looked back and said, "I've changed." too." I looked at her back and said nothing. That's right. I have changed. Ms. Giang Duong from three years ago would run after her with red eyes and ask why. Will cry. There will be noise. All emotions will be revealed on the face. But now it won't be like that anymore. Not worth it. Nguyen Tieu Ngu walked up to me, secretly looked at my face, and carefully said: "Your sister... looks really beautiful."
"YES."
“But you are more beautiful than her.”
“…Nguyen Tieu Ngu.”
"Have!"
"Let's go."