Vol.2 Chap.40 A surprised encounter

It was way after dark before May-Ling finally gathered herself to get out of the temple and headed home. She was looking for inspiration but only found comfort in the solitude. She came for answers, but only found peace within. With no understanding of what happened, she did not know what to do or where to go, but her inner peace was restored.

Somehow, she was consoled that this incident was allowed through some higher plans and she had reconciled to herself that this was not her fault, after all. Consequently, her guilt had been eased and a tremendous burden had been lifted off her shoulders. Her heart was still heavy with the loss of Haw-Ting, and the void within her grew larger.

Coming down from the temple, she was not really noticing the streets, as she knew the route well. She was still deep in thought and all wrapped up in herself. As she passed a small alley, a powerful arm suddenly grabbed her and pulled her inside. The other arm swiftly covered her mouth, so that she had no chance to call out at all.

She snapped back to the present immediately.

“Shh. Don’t make a sound.” A rough voice sounded.

That voice sounded familiar, though she could not see the face and did not know who that was. But she was sure she heard that voice before. She figured it had to be one of her patients. But who? She saw so many patients in the past five years. The voice could be anyone.

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She barely made out a nod.

The hand over her mouth retracted, but the other arm was still holding her tight. She slowly turned around.

“Doctor Chen?” Her captor spoke with haltingly.

She jumped out of her skin at that sound.

“Jar-Li?”

“I am sorry, Doctor Chen.”

“Jar-Li, what happened?”

“I got impatient. I wanted to see you and tell you I was so much better since I’ve been coming for the treatment. When I found out that you were not there, I got mad. I am sorry.”

“Jar-Li, please continue to come for the treatment.”

“I cannot go back anymore. They will arrest me on the spot if I show up around the clinic.”

“That is true.”

“Can you give me instructions and I will have someone else give me the treatment?”

“Of course.”

“Oh, thank you so much…” Jar-Li released his other arm that was holding her captive. “Er…You don’t blame me?”

“There is no one to blame.”

“It was really an accident.”

“I believe you.”

“Thank you. Oh, thank you. I am so sorry.” He bowed his head. “I wish I can repay you somehow.”

“I am sure that opportunity will come.”

She briefly described the procedure to him while he listened attentively.

“Thank you, Doctor Chen. I owe you an immense debt that I know I can never repay.”

“I forgive you.”

“Thank you, doctor. That meant so, so much to me. Thank you. Thank you.”

“I will see you around…”

Before she finished the sentence, he faded into the background and was gone. The meeting with Jar-Li helped settle many things in her mind.

This was not a chance meeting. He sought her out. Perhaps there was still some good in him. Perhaps her treatment of him had rekindled the goodness in him, albeit temporarily. Somehow, she had to work out a more permanent solution for violent tendencies.

There is still hope in Jar-Li. Perhaps there is better treatment to be discovered? Is that what my father had been working on?

Finish my work…

The call again.

Finish my work…

Some unconscious thought solidified within her.