Bus 732

Chapter 31: Post Script

Alina and Sasha sat at a table outside the coffee shop, enveloped in a heavy silence. Sasha quietly stirred her cup of coffee, while Alina absently smashed the slice of cake in front of her, lost in her thoughts.

"I'm planning to visit En's country soon," Alina said, breaking the silence. "She left without saying anything, and I'd like to understand what led her to make that decision. Have you heard anything from her?"

"That is unnecessary, Alina."

Sasha responded.

"No, Sasha! It's unfair for her to leave like that. I need to convince her to come back. Posy needs her. I need her."

Alina said, her voice tinged with frustration.

"She won't come back, Alina. No matter how hard you'll try."

Sasha exclaimed.

Alina was taken aback by Sasha's evident frustration, surprised to see how deeply affected she was by the situation as well.

"Before she left, she asked me to give this to you, once you were well,"

Sasha said in a lower, more subdued tone, handing Alina a letter.

"If she wants to apologize, she should say it to my face, Sasha," Alina replied with a mix of anger and disappointment, holding the letter tightly.

Sasha remained silent, continuing to stir her coffee.

Eventually, Alina decided to open the letter and see what En had to say to her through writing, feeling it was a cowardly way to communicate.

"Hey baby,

I hope you're doing well by now as you read this letter.

Do you remember the promise we made to visit the cabin from time to time? I still recall the joy in your face that day, the way your smile lit up your beautiful eyes as we made that commitment to each other. I just wish I could stay to see those smiles a little longer but I'm sorry I couldn't.

I always felt like the universe had conspired for us to meet, and now I understand why. From the moment our paths crossed, my life was no longer void. You've shown me what it means to love deeply, to cherish every breath, and to appreciate life in ways I never knew before.

I wish to spend more time with you. I need more time, baby. I need more time to lie beside you and gaze at the night sky. I need more time holding your hands as I commit to memory every inch of your face. I need more time listening to the sound of your voice, your giggle and your laughter. I need a thousand more tomorrows and a thousand more I love you's. I needed more time with you, my love.

I'm sorry the universe granted us only a limited time together. Those moments were the best of my life. And I'm sorry for leaving you like this. I'm sorry for not having the courage to say these things to your face. Please forgive me for leaving. I'm sorry our time wasn't enough.

If it's not too much to ask, continue to live your life there with joy and fulfillment. Embrace the opportunities to explore new adventures and visit the places you were unable to experience before. And when you need a break from an exhausting day, unwind and relax at the cabin on 73rd Street.

I'll always be with you in your heart no matter what. Even when we're apart now, I'll continue to carry those memories in your heart.

I love you, baby!

P.S. Please take good care of our heart.

Always,
En"

As Alina read the letter, she was overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions-shock, confusion, and disbelief all at once. Her hands trembled uncontrollably as she focused on the final sentence from the letter. As she continued to stare at the letter, struggling to make sense of the words, she felt a sharp pain in her chest. Suddenly, a tear fell from her eye, unnoticed.

Her gaze shifted to Sasha, who was heavily crying. That was when the full impact of the letter hit Alina, causing her world to feel like it was falling apart. She clutched her chest, still wracked with pain, as the gravity of the situation sank in.

"She's gone, Alina. En's gone."

Sasha said, her voice breaking as she burst into tears.