Bus 732

Chapter 36: Wǒ ài nǐ

Alina's heart ached as she stared at the cold, unyielding tombstone, the name of the woman she loved etched into its surface. The darkening skies mirrored the despair that enveloped her, casting a shadow over the fleeting hope she once held. As she sank to her knees, the weight of her grief pressed heavily upon her, and the absence of light seemed to echo the emptiness she felt inside.

"En?! Oh, baby! Why? This is so unfair! You're so mean! Why did you leave me like this?"

Alina's cries pierced the silence, her anguish raw and unrestrained. Her fists pounded the ground in futile anger, her tears mixing with the dirt as she struggled against the weight of her grief. The world seemed to crumble around her, leaving only the echo of her pain.

The two women behind Alina, along with Posy, could only watch in helpless sorrow as Alina cried out for her lost love. The sight of her deep anguish and the sound of her desperate pleas moved them profoundly, their own tears flowing freely as they shared in the grief of a heartbroken soul.

"What good is living if you're not in it? I don't want to live like this, baby! I can't!"

Alina's voice trembled with despair as she cried out. Her sobs were a raw surrender to the unbearable emptiness she felt, each word a testament to her profound sense of loss and the unbearable weight of continuing without her beloved.

Posy rushed to Alina, wrapping her arms around her in a tight embrace. The woman could hardly hold herself together, overwhelmed with surrender and pain. In that moment, Posy clung to her, offering what solace she could, her own tears mingling with Alina's as she tried to provide some small comfort amidst the heartache.

"Jiejie... sister told me to watch over you. To make sure you stay healthy and happy. She wanted you to live fully, carrying her heart with you always."

Posy held Alina close, her voice trembling but firm. As she spoke, her words were a mixture of sorrow and resolve, trying to offer Alina a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the promise she had been given.

Alina and Posy clung to each other, their embrace a sanctuary amidst their shared grief. As they held each other tightly, they found solace in their mutual sorrow, united in the deep sense of loss they both felt for En.

Lost in her thoughts, Alina wandered through the bustling streets back in town, her steps aimless and her mind clouded with grief. As her awareness gradually returned, she realized she had arrived at the temple, its massive walls looming before her.

Alina approached the massive wall, her gaze wandering over the myriad of prayers and wishes clinging to its surface. Amidst the sea of handwritten notes, her mind is still adrift in sorrow, something on the wall suddenly caught her eye. It was a note that stood out, drawing her attention with an unexpected force.

"I would absolutely give you the moon and stars to brighten your every night. But it's impossible, so I could only wish your sleep was tight.

I would ask the wind to blow the dark skies and bad weather. Except it's not under my hand and I'm afraid I can't always protect you from the thunder.

I would tell a lady bug to whisper to you that I'm always here, yet it's far-fetch despite my desire to take away your fear.

I would plant tulips all over your bed to return the unconditional love you give. Except we know that's not where flowers want to live.

Ergo, I will give you my heart, for it lives within me. I thinks it's the most genuine gesture that I can do that seems so sweet. For you know that whatever happens, I will do anything for you in a heartbeat.

Wǒ ài nǐ, Alina.

- En"

Alina's tears flowed uncontrollably as she read the note on the wall. It was written by En shortly after receiving the results of the organ compatibility test. In that moment, En had made the decision to donate her heart to Alina if the worst should come to pass. The note, filled with love and sacrifice, pierced Alina's heart with a profound mix of grief and gratitude.

Though the night was still young, Alina lay curled up in bed, her eyes red and swollen from relentless tears. The depth of her despair was unlike anything she had ever experienced, even though her heart, once weak and fragile, now felt a profound change. Despite the overwhelming sorrow consuming her, Alina's heart, though aching, beats steadily - En's heart beats steadily within her. Exhausted from her emotional turmoil, she eventually cried herself to sleep, the weight of her sorrow still heavy in her dreams.

"You know it's painful to watch you cry so deeply; it hides the beauty on those tears."

Alina lowered her hands from her face, only to find herself on a bus with En seated beside her. En's gaze was soft and reassuring, her smile a comforting presence amidst Alina's turmoil.

Seeing her beloved En beside her, smiling warmly, brought a flicker of light to the pain in Alina's heart. However, as she looked around and took in the dreamlike quality of her surroundings, it dawned on her that she was in the midst of a dream.

"En, baby! I missed you so much!"

Alina cried out as she threw herself into En's arms. Despite knowing it was a dream, the embrace felt incredibly real. She was enveloped in warmth and safety, as if the dream itself were a sanctuary from her sorrow.

"I miss you too, baby."

En whispered, gently wiping away Alina's tears. Her touch was tender and soothing, adding to the dream's comforting embrace.

"I can't live like this, En. Not without you here," Alina sobbed, her voice trembling with sorrow. The weight of her grief seemed unbearable as she clung to the comforting presence of En, her tears flowing freely.

En placed her hand gently on Alina's chest, where her heart is, and said softly,

"I'm here, baby. Always."

Her touch and words were a tender promise, offering solace and connection even in the midst of Alina's deep sorrow.