Chapter 18 — The Day My Father Remarried

He struggled hard just to force out a single sentence.

Wan Wan.

Dad.

I am sorry.

My tears instantly surged forth.

After your mother passed away.

I felt...

That nothing had any meaning anymore.

Later on.

Meeting Aunt My Linh.

I only wanted...

To start over.

Yet...

Nothing ever worked out.

Money was lost.

My business failed.

Even your living expenses.

I could no longer afford.

I...

Had no face left to look upon you.

That was why I told you.

Not to associate with your eldest uncle.

He spoke in halting, disjointed phrases. His eyes were bloodshot. I stepped forward. And wrapped my arms around him. He froze in place. Then slowly raised his hand. And patted my back gently. His hand was so thin. That his bones pressed hard against my body.

Dad.

Everything is going to be okay now.

I buried my face in his shoulder.

It is all in the past.

The house has been saved.

I have a stable job too.

Eldest uncle will help us.

Dad...

You should not have let me endure so much hardship...

It is all right, Dad.

Do not say anymore.

Let us go back.

I released him from my embrace. Wiped away my tears. And forced a smile.

If you truly feel guilty.

Then from now on.

Treat me just a little bit better.

And one more thing.

Do not dodge eldest uncle's phone calls anymore.

You are his only younger brother.

To Chan Hoa stood there in a daze, staring at me. A long while passed. Before he gave a faint nod. Then he turned around. And slowly opened the car door. His movements were exceedingly sluggish. As if he were desperately trying to suppress something. I stood silently. Watching my father's car gradually fade into the twilight. Its two rear red lights. Growing more and more distant. Until finally. They transformed into a tiny crimson dot. And vanished around the street corner. That very night. Eldest uncle called me. In a rare occurrence. His voice sounded remarkably at ease.

Your father.

Just called me a moment ago.

The two of us talked for over forty minutes.

For the very first time.

He actually brought himself to apologize to me.

I was taken aback.

The two of you...

Did not start arguing?

Argue about what?

He had no face left to argue with me anyway.

He let out a cold hum. Yet his tone was brimming with hidden amusement.

He has been stubbornly proud his entire life.

Today.

He finally chose to yield.

I lay flat upon my bed. Gazing at the shifting lights upon the ceiling. And involuntarily burst into laughter.

Wan Wan.

He called out abruptly.

Yes?

Today.

Your father said something.

And I felt it was entirely correct.

What was it, uncle?

He said.

The person he owes the most in this lifetime.

Is none other than you.

From this day forward.

He will never allow you to suffer another grievance.

I pressed the phone tightly against my ear. As silent tears soaked deeply into my pillow. Yet the corners of my lips. Curled upward into a genuine smile.

Eldest uncle.

Thank you so much.

What is there to thank me for?

We are all family here.

He paused for a brief moment.

All right.

Go to sleep early.

Tomorrow you still have to meet an important client.

Yes.

Have a good night, uncle.

After ending the call. The room grew utterly tranquil. The streetlights cast the trembling shadows of the trees upon the window curtains. Which swayed gently with the nocturnal breeze. I reached beneath my pillow. And pulled out the photograph taken with my mother. Bathed in the soft illumination of my smartphone screen. I gazed at it for a very long time. Within the picture. Mother remained as youthful as ever. Her smile exceptionally tender. I extended my fingertips. And lightly brushed across her face. Whispering softly:

Mother.

The house has been saved.

Dad is doing well now too.

The promise I made to you.

Eldest uncle has fulfilled it.

I will work hard as well.

You can finally rest in peace.

Inside the frame. Mother was still smiling. I carefully put the photograph away. Switched off the lights. And closed my eyes. Tomorrow. I still have to go to work. Still have to accompany eldest uncle to meet the major client. Still have to fill up the workshop order ledgers. Still have to make life. Better with each passing day. Everything... Is already behind us. And... Everything. Will surely be fine. (The End)