Destiny to be with you

*"Don't open the yellow paper yet. I know how curious you are, but this letter isn't for you. It's for the person destined to be with you. I hope it's me-haha! But if not, please give it to the one who will cherish and take care of you.

If, someday, we have to part ways, don't grieve too long. Move forward. And always remember-at the end of the road, I'll be waiting for you.

I love you, my Zienara. My life, my heart, my forever."*

My throat tightened. I thought this letter was for me.
But she had written it for someone else-the person meant to love me after her.
It felt as though she had known what was coming.

At the top of the paper were the words that shattered me completely:

"To the person destined to be with you."

I closed my eyes and whispered, barely audible, "I hope she accepts your letter, my Ai."

When I looked up again, Shiena was staring at me-eyes full of questions, full of concern. I must've looked like a madman: crying, smiling, laughing all at once.

I walked toward her, the yellow paper trembling between my fingers.
She glanced at the folded heart and then back at me, waiting.

"Please..." My voice cracked. "Be that person."

Her eyes widened, and the tears she'd been holding back began to fall freely. She nodded, again and again, as if afraid her voice might break too if she spoke.

My heart felt lighter than it had in years.
I stepped closer and pulled her into my arms.

"You don't have to beg," she whispered against my chest. "Because I'm already willing to give you everything."

I smiled-a small, broken, healing smile. "Thank you."

When I looked up, my family was watching us from across the room.
They were smiling, eyes soft with warmth.

And for the first time in ten long years, I felt peace.