One Body Two Soul

4.

I was in my room, on the bed with the Diary I found at Fei Hong's house. As I opened the book an ID card slipped and fell on my lap. I picked it up and found her smiling photo and a volunteering card. I keep it aside and read the book.

17. 1. 2020

The day I met him for the first time. He was my ray of hope. He extended his hand towards me and a touch from him sent shivers down my spine. He took me in and showed kindness. Such men were hard to find. He gave me clothes, food and shelter. He took me to places to cheer me up. It was the day I fell deeply in love with my rescuer.

7. 4. 2020

Today was the day I finally opened up to him and told him my side of story. He did not show sympathy towards me. That's what I loved about him. He told me this was my chance to prove that I cannot be brought down by the misfortunes in my life. He showed me a path and I decided to walk on it.

16. 9. 2020

We went to a trip and finally met his friends. They spoke highly about him and we soon clicked. I never had fun in my life, never had friends, nor went out to enjoy. Today is the best day of my life.

9. 12. 2020

Today he brought me food. He knew what was my favorite dish. He visited me to the primary school where I taught children's. All my colleagues thought he was my boyfriend and I never corrected them.

14. 4. 2021

Today we went on a date. Ofcourse his friends tagged alond, but I take that as a date. We went to movies and I sat beside him. Our elbows were touching and our hands met by accident as we both dug in the popcorn. I was happy, I could touch him. He would sometimes ruffle my hair and pull my cheeks. These are the signs that he likes me right? Well, that's what I believe.

6. 5. 2021

I wanted to teach an orphanage in a remote village and coincidentally found out he was an orphan in the same orphanage. This is fate right? God wants me to be close to him. He had also decided to live in the same village as a forest ranger, as he worked in army before.

13. 6. 2021

The day I entered the village permanently. The orphanage was tattered and old but it was home to many kids here. I loved the place away from the city life and in between the vegetation. There was no electricity, no phone signals, no wifi, but it was stiĺl worth it because he was here beside me.

8. 7. 2021

It was a disaster. The building fell over. Thankfully no one was hurt. But there was no more home for the kids. It was heartbreaking, when kids said "It's okay Teacher Fei we can beg on the road for money and buy food. We can sleep on the fields". It was what made me determined to do something for the kids who gave me such happiness.

13. 7. 2021

A meeting was held by the village chief and we decided to build house made of bamboo and wood. The construction has started and now we just have to wait until it finishes.

20. 9. 2021

It's done! Finally! We completed the buildings and to our surprise there was also a separate building for school. I was given a separate building and was so happy when kids also helped in building my home.

19. 9. 2021

There was a cliff near the village and it had a strong belief or legend. Whoever went out there at night time and counted the stars till 1000, than any wish he or she wishes it would come true. He took me here today and I decided to tell him my feelings. But, I was wrong, he never felt anything for me. He said I was like a sister to me. I was hurt, badly. But, he was everything to me. So my final wish is for him to be happy and open up his heart. I wish someone would come into his life and melt that hard stone around his heart.

4. 10. 2021

I am on my way to home. I received a call from mother saying she wanted to meet me. I know why she wants to meet me. When father was alive she never called me, now when he's dead there is no one to give her money for drinks or drugs. This time I will go and cut all my ties with her. I am on the bus and it's 2. 30 AM. My Ranger had offered to drop me home but I denied as he had work and I did not want to bother him. Nothing matters more than him. I need to finish this as soon as possible so that I can go home.

I close the book and lean my head on the headboard. That was all written on her Diary and I knew why this was the last. It was the day she died. Her life was more messier than mine. But she had found happiness and I took it away from her. Her dream is incomplete and her wish is yet to be brought true. I feel like I owe her so much and am so guilty for being the reason for her death. That was the day I decided to do something in my life. I knew what I had to do. I know my parents won't let me do it but I had to do it anyways.

Next morning, as soon as I wake up, I open my phone and Google search some details. I make some phone calls and wait until night fall. That day, I play golf with dad. Help mom in the kitchen and eat dinner together as a family. At midnight, I pack some stuffs I need for the journey and sneak out without telling anyone where I am headed to.

The travel was long and tiring, but my determination was not. I had no idea what I will do there, but I knew what I should continue doing. Early morning at 8 AM, I reached a town and got down the bus. I was roaming around the bus station to find if there was someone to pick me up. Far between some vehicles I see a man get down from an army jeep wearing army clothes. Immediately I knew he was the one I was waiting for. He walked up to me with a big smile on his face and I certainly knew he was a jolly person.

I greet him back with a smile and we got inside the car and rode off. After few minutes, the man could not tolerate the silence inside the car and spoke first.

"Isn't the weather nice here?"

"Yes, the weather is very good here"

"My name is Fui. Cheng Li, asked me to pick you up"

"Cheng Li?"

"Ah....Cheng Li is our village chief"

"Oh...okay"

"Umm...Mr Wei...do you mind me asking you something?"

I nod "Why did you decide to teach in Yumai Village? It is such an impoverished area. Only once in a while we get an teacher in this area"

"I have heard about this village and found there was no teacher here at the moment, so I came here"

"Before you, there was one teacher who stayed here longer than a month. Most others, would leave within 2 weeks."

A sad smile passes my face and I ignore him further and look outside the window. Just then, the car starts jerking and in seconds it stops.

"Oh Shit! This damn old car had to stop right now?"

He gets down the car and opens the bonnet. A puff of smoke appears and he starts coughing. I get down and look at him.

"Don't tell me it's what I think it is?"

"Haha...I am sorry...are you okay to walk?"

I shake my head and sign. Few minutes later, we were walking to the village with my bag on my back. There was still walk for 3 km. He started chatting as we were walking together. We were walking in between fields and crops. The path had highs and lows and it was making me difficult to breathe. It was tiring. Finally we reached the village entrance and there I met him. The man in my dreams.