Gaoyuan saw the news about Gao Wen again on television.
Gao Wen was dead.
The television reported that Gao Wen had died in a terrorist attack while traveling abroad.
Gaoyuan stared at the screen, momentarily dazed.
Had that person really died?
The one who had tormented him for half his life, had he truly passed away?
Gaoyuan didn't know how to feel about the news of Gao Wen's death.
He should be happy, but he couldn't feel any joy at all.
His emotions were complicated, and he didn't know how to describe them.
Gaoyuan sat on the sofa, staring at the television, unable to regain his composure for a long time.
...
Gaoyuan dreamt again of his childhood.
He dreamt of Gao Wen locking him in a small dark room, not letting him out.
He dreamt of Gao Wen hitting him, abusing him, making his life unbearable.
He dreamt of his mother abandoning him, no longer wanting him.
Gaoyuan woke up from the dream, drenched in cold sweat.
He sat up, looking at the pitch-black hospital room, gasping for breath.
Every time he dreamed of his childhood, he would wake up in shock.
He closed his eyes, trying to calm his emotions.
After a while, he opened his eyes and looked outside.
It was raining outside; the raindrops hit the windowsill, making a pattering sound.
Gaoyuan looked out the window, his thoughts drifting far away.
...
The next day, Gaoyuan went to the cemetery.
He bought a bouquet of flowers and placed it in front of a tombstone.
The tombstone bore the name Gao Wen.
Gaoyuan stared at the tombstone in silence for a long time before finally speaking, "I've come to see you."
There was no response.
Gaoyuan knelt down and set the flowers in front of the tombstone.
"This is the first time I've bought something for you," Gaoyuan said, "and it will also be the last."
Gaoyuan stood up: "From now on, we will have nothing to do with each other."
He looked at the tombstone and smiled faintly: "Actually, I always wanted to call you Dad."
"But I never had the chance to say it."
"There won't be a chance anymore."
Gaoyuan took a deep breath as he gazed at the tombstone: "Rest in peace."
Gaoyuan turned and walked away.
...
When Gaoyuan returned home, it was already past eight in the evening.
He entered, changed his shoes, and walked into the living room.
His grandmother was watching television, and upon seeing him return, she quickly asked, "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet," Gaoyuan replied.
"I'll go make you something to eat," his grandmother said.
"That's not necessary," Gaoyuan said, "I'm not hungry."
His grandmother looked at him: "What's wrong? Are you feeling down?"
Gaoyuan shook his head and said, "No."
Grandma looked at him and sighed, "Yuan, if you have something on your mind, don't keep it to yourself. Speak up, and I will help you share the burden."
Gaoyuan looked at Grandma, pressed his lips together, and said, "I went to see my dad."
Grandma was taken aback for a moment but quickly responded, "You should go see him."
Gaoyuan lowered his gaze and said, "I used to hate him, but now, I don't hate him anymore."
Grandma was silent for a while before speaking, "Yuan, sometimes letting go of the past is a way to free yourself."
Gaoyuan looked at Grandma and asked, "Can I really do that?"
Grandma nodded, "Of course you can."
Gaoyuan was silent for a moment and then smiled, "It seems like I have already let go."
Grandma smiled back, "That's good to hear."
Gaoyuan looked at Grandma and said, "Thank you, Grandma."
Grandma was momentarily surprised but then smiled and said, "Silly child, why are you thanking me?"
Gaoyuan smiled but didn't say anything further.
...
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