String to my heart ♪ Mark Lee

♪ 60

The fate that came to me
If I put it in other words
I want to write down
Your name

♪

The next day arrived quietly, like it knew better what the significance was.

Hannah was dressed in a black long sleeve dress which was modest, falling right at her knees.

Not much of jewellery, just the star pendant necklace Mark gifted her. Her hair was tied back loosely, a few strands already slipping free.

Mark chose dark jeans and a plain black shirt, sleeves buttoned and his expressions guarded.

Parker complained about having to dress like a proper funeral but still showed up in black. Their dad wore a white shirt under a dark coat, the kind Yujia loved.

The drive out of the city felt long and quiet, trees lined up on the sides of the road.

The sky was pale and gloomy, the kind Australia gets when it's holding its breath. No one spoke much, even Parker stayed unusually still.

At the cemetery, the air was cool and faintly salty as the ocean was not too far. The gravestones spread wide, sunlight filtering through tall gum trees. It felt open- too open like there was nowhere to hide.

Hannah stepped out the car and that's when she saw him.

A familiar figure stood near the path, hands in his jacket pockets, travel bag at his feet. Mason.

Her steps slowed,
"Mason?"

He turned around, surprise flickered across his face before settling into something gentle.
"Hey"

No explanations or questions were asked, at least not here.

They all walked together towards the grave. One by one the bouquets were placed carefully.

The stone was cool to the touch, her mother's name was carved neatly. The wind softly whispered above them, making them feel her presence there.

Their dad stood in front of the grave for a long time before speaking.

"It's been years," he said quietly.
"And I can still hear you complain that we're late."

A small smile tugged at his lips before it faded.

You must like this place," he continued, voice steady but low.
"Quiet, open and there's no crowd."

He glanced at Mark, then added gently like he was really talking to her,
"Mark is here today."

He gestured slightly like Yujia was really looking at him with the quiet, sparkling interest she usually had but always gave space to listen to.

"He is Hannah's boyfriend, can't believe that our little sunshine is this big right? I can't too..."

A pause.

Hannah was gripping onto Mark's hand, tears welled up on her eyes.
"You would've liked him."

Mark's chest tightened, being introduced to someone like this especially to someone who shaped Hannah's entire life felt unreal.

Their dad shared a memory then. About how she used to pack too much food for road trips. How she insisted on family photos even when no one wanted to pose.

How she laughed the loudest at Parker's terrible jokes and appreciate their kid's colouring which they labelled as art just to motivate them.

Then he stepped back,
"You all can talk now if you want to."