Chapter 19 — There Are Wounds That Only Truth Can Heal

Lam Tinh nodded slightly. Don't ask any more. She helped Niem Niem fold her pajamas. Put your change of clothes in your backpack. Zip carefully. Then give it to the baby. Niem Niem carries a backpack. Smiling and waving.

"Goodbye Aunt Lam."

Lam Tinh gently pinched the baby's cheek.

"Next time come."

"I'll make you fried chicken thighs again."

Niem Niem jumped up and down with excitement. Hold my hand. Pull out the door. Just got down the stairs. The child suddenly stopped. He raised his head and looked at me very seriously.

"Lately..."

"Didn't you sleep well at night, mom?"

I stopped.

"Why do you ask?"

Niem Niem raised a small finger. Just under my eyes.

"It's black."

I laughed.

"Mom is a bit busy these days."

"It's OK."

The girl tilted her head thoughtfully. After a while, he spoke.

"So when will mom stop being busy?"

"Let's go buy salted egg tarts."

"Last time I passed by."

"Wait until mom finishes her work and I'll take you there."

I patted my child's head.

"Mom, I'm done."

"I'll go."

The child was immediately satisfied. Continue walking down the stairs. Pale yellow light shone down. Your small shadow is printed on each step. But every step is very steady. I quietly walked behind. Still holding a picture of the sun and flowers in his hand. After signing the authorization form the day after tomorrow. Everything... Will enter a completely different phase. Lawyer Luu works very quickly. Tuesday morning. A formal application for divorce is filed with the court. Report on new details in the Tran Quoc Binh case. Also sent by official route to the City Police. That afternoon. Ha Kien Minh called. I don't answer the phone. Not long after. A message appears.

"Van Ninh."

"I know what you did."

"I don't blame you."

"Whatever you want."

"Can I see you once?"

I finished reading. Put the phone down. No reply. By day five. Ha Kien Minh used another phone number to text me.

"Van Ninh."

"Your mother has been invited to coordinate the investigation."

"I know."

"That's what I did."

"But I want to tell you."

"What happened that year..."

"I really don't know everything."

"About the death of Tran Quoc Binh."

"Mom never told me the truth."

"I didn't know until later."

"Do you believe it or not..."

"It's my right."

I finished reading. Just answer in two words.

"I know."

A moment later. He texted back.

"Thank you."

The conversation was just that. As a final procedure. Two people signed. Then each person keeps their share. There's nothing more to say. Lam Tinh knows about it. There was a long silence on the phone. Finally asked.

"Van Ninh."

"Isn't it heartbreaking?"

"But not to the point of collapse."

"It's been eight years."

Lam Tinh sighed.

"That kind of man."

"Not worth your eight years."

"Half a year..."

"It's not worth it either."

I didn't reply.

"What do you need?"

"I'll take care of it."

"No need for anything."

"Only thanks to you."

"Help me pick up Niem Niem after school these past few days."

"I can do it myself."

Things are gradually entering a stable phase. Court side. The divorce case is waiting for a hearing date. Police side. The re-investigation of the Tran Quoc Binh case. Proceed quietly. There were no external announcements. It's at this moment. The fact that the mother-in-law was invited to work. It hasn't been revealed yet. Ha Kien Minh moved out. The belongings he left behind were not many. He has never been a hoarder. Two suitcases of clothes. A box of books. When leaving. He stood in front of the door for a long time.

"The story of meeting Niem Recite."

"I still want it like before."

"Do you agree?"

I calmly replied.

"Follow the court's decision."

He nodded slightly. Then turned and walked away. The pharmacy is still open as usual. I cycled there. Tieu Tang had arranged all the imported goods the night before. She is a very hard-working person. Everything is done neatly. Clear classification. I sit in the office. View previous day's revenue. Inventory reconciliation. Processing import orders. The rhythm of life... Has returned clearly. All solid. About that time. Tran Dich came twice. To inquire about the progress of household registration adjustment.

"The file is being processed."

"Just wait for the announcement."

Second time. You came to tell me something.

"I plan to enroll in vocational school this year."

"Learn a profession."

"From now on, I'll live with my own hands."

I looked at you.

"Which school?"

"City Construction Vocational School."

"I study welding."

"The type of master who leads an apprentice."

"There are dormitories."

"Tuition is not high either."

"Contact done?"

"It's done."

"School starts next month."

He tightened the backpack strap. Hesitantly.

"Just wanted to come and tell you."

I smiled.

"Just go to school."

"If you get into trouble."

"Then go back and find her."

Tran Dich stood still. Not in a hurry to leave. Like there's something I want to say.

"What's wrong?"

He bowed his head. Very small voice.

"The thing between you and Mr. Ha."

"It's because of you."

I shook my head slightly.

"No."

"The person who caused this..."

"Not you."

"I'm just someone who was taken advantage of."

"If you don't come."

"Everything..."

"It didn't turn out like this."

I looked at you. Speak calmly.

"Whether you come or not."

"This."

"It will happen eventually."

"Just different..."

"It's sooner or later."