Three Letters

I wrote three letters.

One to Daniel.

One to Grace.

One to Arthur.

To Daniel, I wrote:

Son, by the time you read this, you should be married. Your father and I are sorry for making you worry. He did not want to leave so early. I nearly followed him, but your voice kept ringing in my ears every day. Crying, laughing, talking nonstop. Your father heard it too and said you were too noisy, so he sent me back to keep you company.

He also said that if I returned with all my memories, I would suffer too much, so he took the part that belonged to him for a while. I haven’t forgiven him for that. When I see him again, I’ll scold him.

Thank you for caring for me. You left work for me. You were afraid to date because of me. I know. I’m sorry I caused trouble. But don’t think of me as your burden. I don’t want that.

Go live your own life. Find work you love. Travel. Love your wife. Stay healthy. If you need money, ask me. Your mom has retirement savings.

I am here.

To Grace, I wrote:

Daughter-in-law, hello. If you read this, you are probably my future daughter-in-law. First, congratulations to my son for finding such a good girl. Second, congratulations to you for discovering a hidden treasure. Secretly, my son is very good. Excellent in every way.

You know our family’s situation. You know about me. Don’t worry. I forget things, but I remember you are my daughter-in-law.

Thank you for choosing this family. But before you are my son’s wife, you are yourself. Always put yourself first. No one can force you into anything. Marriage is only part of life. If my son bullies you, tell me. I will beat him.

In this family, remember that I can be your shield.

To Arthur, I wrote:

Big Boss, I knew long ago that you liked me.

When did I know? Probably the first time you spoke to me.

You are a good man. I could see it from the flowers.

When I worked in your shop, I kept wondering when you would finally speak. Luckily, I waited. Not too late.

We are both old now. We do not have endless time. So we must cherish every day.

From now on, I am the flower shop’s owner’s wife. Please take care of me. I will take care of you too.

And to Thomas, though I did not write it on paper, I kept the words in my heart:

My love in heaven, when I finish my human days, I will come find you with all my memories.

I will tell you how I lived after you left.

I will tell you Daniel married well.

I will tell you I was happy.

If you still remember me then, do not forget to bring flowers.

I will follow the scent and run toward you.

It will not be too long.

And it will not be too late.