Between Chances And Choices

Chapter 24

Taehyung looked on, chest calm and eyes dry, as his grandmother's remains were interred in her grave. She was eighty seven. She died of a heart disease associated with old age. She's been in the hospital for weeks prior. He visited her with his husband a day before she died. But even then, she's bright and at ease. Like usual.

"I'm ready."

He remembered what she said that day.

"Don't say that. You're going to get better." He reprimanded her.

"I've lived a long time. That's enough for me."

Taehyung could only purse his lips.

"I lived well. I was able to do many things I wished to do and I was able to move on from the things I couldn't. I am content with what I did with my time. Even if I die now, right at this moment, or later, when I sleep, it's fine. I lived well. I'm ready."

She smiled.

"I'll leave without regrets and without worries. All my children are living well. And all of my grandchildren. I thank the gods that I get to watch all of you grow and go old. I am so grateful that I didn't outlive any of you."

She feebly reached for her grandson's hand.

"Especially you."

She squeezed it with all the strength remaining in her.

"I'm so thankful that the gods listened to my prayers. I fervently asked for a long life for you."

"You should have prayed for yourself." Taehyung quietly said while staring at their hands.

"I told you. I lived long enough. I want it for you."

He laid a bouquet of flowers on her grave. He pictured the contented smile on her lips that never left, not even when he looked behind to look at her, before closing the door. He's sad. They're all sad but it felt like they were not grieved. For they knew how she felt. They know that she was happy and satisfied. Because she lived well.

He thought that it's astounding to view and welcome death that way. Because most people are scared of it. Including him. If he's in her shoes, at that very moment, he's certain he won't be like her. He's living well. But he hasn't lived that long. Besides, he wouldn't want to leave his loved ones yet. Most especially his dearest Jungkook. He wondered if he'll ever be like her. He wondered if someday he would feel the same.

♥♥♥

"Jeon Jungkook."

The hall was immediately filled with thunderous applause. Jungkook went up to the stage to accept the cultural merit award that was honored to him for his invaluable contribution to their country's filmmaking industry. Taehyung rose, beaming with pride. He briefly roamed his eyes around. His husband was being given a standing ovation. After a decade of hard work, Jungkook was finally recognized by their country as a director after winning several awards abroad.

He has just turned forty. Some say that it was quite early. He's too young. Not quite seasoned since others do it for years and years. But those who truly know his commitment, talent and skills, having worked with him, believed that it came just in time. Well, Taehyung thought that his husband would have gotten it much earlier if not for him constantly holding him back.

He eagerly listened as he delivered his speech, remembering how he struggled while juggling his craft and his role as a husband to him. There were many instances when Jungkook had to let go of things for his sake. There were countless chances when he had to weigh between choices. But time and time again, he always chooses him.