While Nino showed me her skills on the piano, I listened, feeling momentarily hollowed of all pain.
Then, the news of Saka's death struck.
My eyes darted frantically, refusing to anchor to reality, as if they could unsee the truth.
My breath grew heavy, a mountain crushing my chest.
My body froze.
My vision blurred.
My emotions breached their dams.
I let out a scream so raw it shattered the window glass.
My body and mind spiraled into a hysterical void until the light failed and my eyes shut tight.
In the depths of that unconsciousness, a thought echoed:
"Is darkness, pain, and sorrow my only destiny?"
"Why did you leave me… Saka?"
The shadows began to consume me from below.
I was sinking. As I drifted into the abyss, a pitch-black hand gripped my ankle. Then, a fractured, rasping voice followed:
"It… has… begun…"
I woke the next day to find the doctor standing over me. "This letter is for you," he said. It was from Saka. The world around me faded—sound and sight ceased to exist. All that remained was that paper. My eyes, however, had a mind of their own; tears began to carve paths down my face. I was trembling, then suddenly, I went still. I opened the letter again and read. It cut through me slowly. Every word, every letter, felt like a blade driven home. As my tears stained the parchment, I read Saka's final words:
"Hello, Tai. If this letter reaches you, it means I am gone.
But do not dwell on it. Keep moving.
I have written down your drills and training schedule.
I am sorry I won't be there when you choose your weapon. You are my son, and I am your father.
I apologize for the trouble I've caused you… I don't know what else to say. I feel restless. Wait… let me light a cigarette. Okay, back to the letter.
Do not cling to the past. Move forward, but do not forget me. Remember me by whatever image of me you hold in your heart. Tai… you must live. Do not stay shrouded in grief. Forget your pain; you are strong, and you can endure this. I hope I wasn't a burden to you. You are Tai, my son, and I am your father—never forget that. You must live your life; you haven't had your fair share yet, and you deserve better. Do not miss me too much; it will only make me sad, and I'll end up weeping and lighting another cigarette.
I wish you all the best in life. And remember… you have Nino."
I poured over every syllable.
I scrutinized his every word.
But I won't let you be sad, old man.
Because without you… I have become "Walking Emptiness." Your cigarette will never go out… Father. I am finished. I can no longer smile. I care for no one. I trust no one.
Later, Nino visited me, her face a mask of worry. I tried to ease her burden.
"Nino… don't worry," I said, my voice hollow. "Everyone is sentenced to death. Don't let my father's passing break you. I'm sorry for making you sad."
The concern on her face softened slightly.
She told me, "The doctor said we can leave. He said you can go anywhere as long as you don't overexert yourself.
So… do you want to go?" I agreed, only to chase the shadows away from her.
We left the hospital and headed to her house so she could get ready.
Her home didn't feel strange; it felt hauntingly familiar.
A pang of unexplained ache struck my chest when I saw it, but I couldn't understand why.
When she finally emerged, she was transformed—breathtakingly beautiful. "Shall we go now?" she asked.
"Yes," I replied.
We headed to the mall again, but today felt different.
We went to a restaurant and ate… Do you really want me to tell you what we ate? Mind your business and keep reading.
Then we went to a women's boutique.
She chose a white dress with some accessories and went to try it on. When she stepped out, she was radiant, a vision that would steal the breath of any man.
To lighten the mood, I teased her:
"Who are you? I came here with a girl named Nino."
She laughed, her smile pure and bright.
After that, she tried on other outfits, like… are you still waiting for the details?
Keep reading.
As we walked out of the store, five police officers approached us. One of them, a tall, burly man, stepped forward. "Excuse us,"
he said firmly:
"We are looking for a man named Tai.
Have either of you seen him?"
(End of Chapter 25)