He gazed at the letter with a piercing intensity.
Alice Robinson's handwriting in Chinese was graceful―
Che:
I'm very sorry that in this letter I didn't call you 'brother' again, because addressing you that way has been my most cherished dream.
First of all, congratulations. I know when you read this letter, it must be when you have returned home healthy... I'm very happy because the heavens have finally favored you.
You have never had a truly happy time in your life, and I hope that in the days to come, the heavens can give you more compensation.
I'm sorry I wasn't there to watch you wake up, because I really couldn't face the awakened you. For me, to see you escape the grip of death has been the greatest comfort of my life.
Tonight I will fold one thousand origami cranes, praying that you can get through this ordeal.
Che, I don't know if my leaving mattered to you, but I still want to explain...
