Forty-Two Years

Just before my consciousness slipped away, I took one last look at my wife.

She had spent many days by my hospital bed. A few more white hairs had appeared at her temples, and her tired face looked much older than it had a month ago.

Then a beam of white light transported me to a place among the clouds, an empty expanse. A few white butterflies flew past me, dancing in rhythm as the wind parted the clouds.

I heard an ethereal voice ask what I wanted in my next life.

It said that I had done good deeds throughout my life and could have one wish granted.

My wife's sorrowful face flashed before my eyes, along with the little moments we had shared over the years.

A butterfly settled on my left shoulder. I remembered that she had once rested against it, on that drizzly day. I closed my eyes, remembering how she did the same whenever she was thinking.

I opened my lips, pushing down the reluctance in my heart.

"I hope my Huanhuan can marry the person she loves in her next life."

A few tears fell from the corners of my eyes.

My eyes were red, and my chest was so tight I could barely breathe.

"I want her to be happy, truly happy from the bottom of her heart. We spent decades together, understanding and accompanying each other, but I always knew that she didn't love me. When I see her frown and the sorrow in her eyes, my heart truly aches. If there really is another life, I want the person she loves to love her in return, so they can grow old together, hand in hand, and live a peaceful, safe life."

"Please don't give me another chance. This life has already been a gift."

Theme: A love that endures.