Time Of Our Lives

Homecoming

“Take care and don’t forget to take some pictures” said Dechen as we hopped on our bus. We took the morning bus and I got the seat at the back. Luckily no one sat beside me and Yuphel didn’t have to hover in the air. The bus ride would have been boring if Yuphel hadn’t sung. Her smile was wonderful, it shined brighter than the sun. I stood there staring at her, soaking every minute of it. “Mummy, that man has been staring at us for a long time” said a child in the seat beside us. I had forgotten that I was the only one who could see Yuphel, while I was staring at Yuphel the other people saw me creepily stare at a child. I quickly looked out the window while Yuphel laughed uncontrollably. Two hours later, we had arrived in Guma. The paddy was harvested and the leaves danced in the air as the descended from the trees. “Jamyang follow me, that’s the tree I used to play on” said Yuphel ecstatically. She pulled me towards an old tree with a tire hanging on a branch. “My dad hung that tire from his old truck, he made it for me and my friends.” Said Yuphel. “First things first, let go to that house. The one with the dark green door.” “Is that the house of the woman who lets guests stay over?” I enquired. “Yep, Aunty Yethro. The most kind and hospitable woman in our village.” She replied.
“Hello, may I spend the night in your home. I came here to take photos of the village.” I said to the Aunty Yethro. “Sure, I don’t mind. It’s been a while since I had a guest over.” She said with a warm smile. As I entered the house I saw many pictures of Aunty Yethro and her family. She showed me a warm room and said “This is the room which gets the most sunlight, you can keep your bag here and come downstairs for a cup of suja.” I replied by saying “Oh it fine, I can drink it later. I will go and take some pictures first.” As Yuphel and I walked roamed around the village, I took photos and created mental images of her to paint later. “Why did you insist on staying in that woman’s house? There was a resort nearby.” I asked her as we walked. “Well she used to help me and my family. Whenever I was sad she would cheer me up, and she was just the best. Words could not describe her kindness, this is why I wanted to stay here.” She replied. Abruptly she stopped, she silently gazed at a house which was being renovated. “What happened? Are you fine?” I asked while patting her back. With a heavy sigh, she slowly said “That’s my house, I am not sure why there are people working there.” With that being said she went back to our place. I was wondering why she was upset suddenly but I kept my mouth shut. When we had returned Aunty Yethro had prepared a feast for me. When we ate our lunch Yuphel remained quiet, I asked about the house being renovated to Aunty, she said “Ah the poor parents, they had lost their only daughter. She was such a sweet child, god needed her more in heaven than on Earth. They suffered after her death, the husband was especially saddened. But they went to Thimphu for therapy and are better now.” “Is that why they are renovating their house?” I asked. “No, they sold the house and their land. They plan to retire with the money they got from the sale. They said they will move to a place near a hospital. If you are curious about them they will come back to that house later.” Upon hearing that Yuphel ran outside. I quickly ran after but lost sight of her. I ran towards her house but I didn’t find her. I was perplexed, where could she have gone? Then it clicked. “The tree” I said. I went towards it and saw Yuphel on the tire swing, sobbing. I slowly walked towards her, and spread my arms to give her a hug. “You know, I am happy that my parents have moved on. I am just ashamed of myself for causing them harm.” She said. I replied by saying “Its not your fault, cheer up. We know they are in good health, lets hope we meet them today. Listen, I am sorry. I am not good with words, I don’t know how to che..” before I could finish Yuphel turned to me and hugged me. “You are the best support” she said. We proceeded to talk and take photos till sunset, as we decided to return a car came by. An old couple got out of the car and walked towards the tree. I quickly hid while Yuphelstood there in awe. The couple kept a bouquet of flowers near infront of the swing. “Its been two years now, though we have moved on. We will never be able to replace our sweet angel.” Said the Yuphel’s father. “I hope she is in a better place now”. Yuphel was in tears, her parent were right infront of her but she could not talk with them nor could they see her. The three remained still and in silence. Yuphel mustered all of her courage and walked towards her parents. She hugged them both. “Honey, you would think I am mad but I feel like I am being hugged right now” said her father. “How strange, me too. I wonder if this could be a sign” replied her mother. As they left Yuphel waved goodbye while holding the flowers. “Honey, I think I just saw our daughter waving at us” said her father. With a big smile they left, Yuphel wiped her tears and said “Lets go back, thank you for helping me see my parents.”
As the sun rose the next day, I left some money for Aunty and we left for Thimphu. On bus Yuphelslepts while leaning on me. But I could not help but wonder. Three out of her four regrets were now completed. What could be her last regret and what will happen when it is complete?