The atmosphere was quiet.
The sky had melted into the hues of a descending sun,
a breathtaking twilight that appeared one last time
before surrendering to the darkness of night.
And within Talotkan's room,
a similar season of emotions had already settled.
Everyone sat together....
some on the bed, some on the floor.....
their faces calm, solemn, as though they were partaking in a sacred ritual of remembrance.
While cleaning the room, they had found a box.
A simple box,
yet within it lay treasures.....
all the letters Talotkan had ever written.
Each letter carried a message for someone she loved.
Each one, touched by her tender hand,
and within every single letter, the same line repeated again and again:
"Wherever you are happy, I will surely come."
Yim could not bear it.
Her hands trembled, her heart shattered,
as she read the letter addressed to her.....
"Dearest Yim… I know that you love me, just as I love you.
But I also know this truth.....that in this world, I am but a guest.
And guests… cannot stay in one home forever.
In the same way, I too must leave.
That is why I want you to promise me this:
That you will remember me...
not with sorrow, but with joy.
Because I have left you a gift.
'Miss Fate,' this mischievous little plant,
is yours now.
Take care of it.
And don't forget, it loves to hear stories,
just as I did.
Remember always.....
your happiness means everything to me.
And your tears…
they are daggers to my heart.
I love you, Yim."
Letter after letter followed.
Messages she had left behind for everyone she loved.
There was one for her mother, Pranee.....
telling her that she loved her deeply,
that she had forgiven her long ago.
Each word was like a balm and a wound all at once.....
healing, yet cutting into the heart.
Within those letters, Talotkan still lived,
still breathed,
still loved them all.