Chapter 11 — The Door Closes, You Also Leave

Finally, slowly relax. Between people... It's completely possible to treat each other like that. Caring... But don't take away the other person's right to choose. Remind... But don't step in for them. One year later. I went back to the old apartment complex. Not because of attachment. But because the homeowner has completed the final compensation procedure, I need to go to the management board to retrieve some of the remaining documents. The building has been renovated. The black burn marks on the wall have disappeared. But just standing in the hallway... I still smelled smoke that didn't exist. The manager recognized me. Smiling softly, he asked:

“Girl, are you feeling much better now?”

I nodded.

“I'm much better now.”

She sighed.

“That night was very scary.”

"When the firefighter carried me out, my face was black, my hands were still holding the firefighter's shirt tightly, refusing to let go."

I stopped. I no longer remember those things. What I remember... Just the sound of heavy footsteps. The stream of steaming hot air. And a voice kept ringing in my ears.

“Don't sleep.”

“Almost out.”

Completed the procedure. When I went downstairs... I saw Can Nghiem standing in front of the apartment complex gate. He wore a black jacket. Stand under the tree. Like I've been waiting for a long time. Seeing me... He took a step forward. Then stopped again. I calmly looked at him.

"What is up?"

He smiled faintly. A bitter smile.

“I heard the manager say you will come today.”

I didn't reply. He was much thinner than the last time we met. The whole person was visibly emaciated.

"The matter of Tham Nhu... has already been decided."

I nodded slightly. The lawyer informed me in advance. Tham Nhu must bear the main compensation responsibility. He was prosecuted according to regulations for unintentionally causing a fire and obstructing others from escaping. In addition... Because spreading false information affected the honor of others... She also had to publicly apologize and compensate for the loss of honor. Can Nghiem was silent for a long time. Then he spoke up.

“A few days ago Tham Nhu called me.”

“She said... if you hadn't carried her out first that day, all of this wouldn't have happened.”

He raised his head to look at me.

“I'll just hang up the phone.”

I calmly replied:

“That's your problem.”

A flash of pain flashed in his eyes.

“I know.”

The wind is very cold. I pulled my scarf tight. Going to leave. At that moment... He spoke again.

“Since that day…”

“I'm not closing any doors anymore.”

My steps stopped. His voice was hoarse.

“At work... at home... or in the car..."

"As long as there is someone inside, I can confirm whether they can open the door themselves from the inside or not."

“I also went to first aid school.”

“Learn fire prevention skills.”

He smiled softly. That smile... It's even more unsightly than crying.

“But the door I should have opened the most…”

“It's too late.”

I looked at him. If it was before... Maybe I would have softened. Would think that he was also suffering. Also regretful. Also trying to make amends. But now... Only peace remains in my heart.

“It's late…”

“It's too late.”

His eye rims were red.

“Are you living well now?”

It's the truth. I changed houses. Change the direction of development at work. The right hand still has a scar. But I can hold the pen and draw like before. Neither do I You can also easily give your keys to anyone. Some people say... I have become cold. But only I know. I just... Finally learned how to keep a door open for myself. At that moment... A vehicle promoting fire prevention and fighting stopped on the side of the road. Trinh Da stepped down. In his hand he held a few documents. Seeing me, he just nodded slightly.

“Are you done with the procedure?”

He gave me a cup of warm water.

“Your throat is still not suitable for drinking cold drinks.”

I take it. Can Nghiem's eyes lightly stopped on the glass of water in my hand. Then it quietly went dark. Of course... You know my throat used to hurt. It's just a pity... Some things are known too late. Then the only thing left is to stand and watch. Trinh Da looked at him. But don't ask anything more. I'll just give a brief introduction.

“Previous acquaintance.”

Can Nghiem's fingertips tightened slightly. He asked hoarsely.

“Just... a previous acquaintance?”

I looked at him. The light in his eyes... Little by little, it went out. Trinh Da still did not intervene. He just turned to ask me.

“Want to see the new project's escape plan?”

“Last time you said you wanted to change the emergency exit sign on the second floor.”

I smiled. When passing by Can Nghiem... He suddenly called me back. I stopped walking. But don't turn back. His voice was very quiet. He didn't explain. Don't beg. Didn't say he would wait for me. I gently squeezed the cup of warm water in my hand. Warmth from the palm of the hand slowly spread.

“I accept your apology.”

His breath stopped. I continued.

“But I don't need to use that apology in exchange for anything.”

Having said that... I stepped forward. Behind... No one calls my name anymore. The sunlight at the intersection was strangely bright. Trinh Da and I walked to the car. Then unconsciously turned his head to look back. Can Nghiem is still standing under that building. Just like a year ago... When I sat behind the blackened door. Quietly heard the footsteps in the hallway getting farther and farther away. Only difference... The person stuck in the past... Is no longer me. The first day I moved into my new house after being discharged from the hospital... I installed three things. Smoke detector. Fire blanket. Escape lock. Every time I return home... I check to see if the door can be opened from the inside. My friends laugh at me for being too careful. I also just laughed. No explanation. Because only I understand. What that fire taught me... It's not just about staying away from people who aren't worth trusting. But there is a more important lesson. The path of life... Never be given into the hands of someone who will hesitate. From today... My door... Will be opened by myself.