The Fifth Time I Met Him

[Love in a Pandemic]

A short story, first person, happy ending. Not serialized for payment.

The first time I saw him, I missed my chance.

The second time, we talked about the sunrise at Alishan and its little train.

The third time we met was during an earthquake.

The fourth time must have been in my dream.

If we meet a fifth time, I will definitely confess to him.

*

"It has been nearly fifty years since we parted.

Since the beginning of this spring, I have felt more and more like a withered tree, my body like a boat without a tether. I suppose I only have a few days left.

I write this letter only to tell you that I have never forgotten, not for a single day, the vow I made beneath the pear tree that year. To have found in you, A Zhi, the one person who is wholly mine, I swore we would never part, even in old age. I have remained alone all this time, and I fear I will not live to see the day we reunite.

I only hope that when my soul returns to the heavens, I can gaze upon my homeland from afar and see you smiling radiantly beneath the white pear tree."

Theme: When it comes to fate, you still need to make a little effort.