I looked up at the elderly, who had a pair of bright eyes and a gentle smile.
I grinned slightly in response. “It’s okay. The more pain I feel, the more burden I could lift from the deceased.”
According to Buddhism, for every kneel a mortal being makes with the deceased in mind, the greater the sense of relief.
Like what the elderly warned, the long journey had caused my knees to feel weak.
As I kneeled in front of the deities, I looked up and clasped my hands together to pray. “I pray to god for the living to live in health and for the deceased to rest in peace.”
With the sounds of the chants, I kneeled in the temple while staring at the statue of the deity. The deity had a kind face, with a pair of long and slightly upward-tilted eyes that seemed to see through all the joys and miseries of life.
Let it go!
Life is short and everything will pass. We can only gain a sense of relief by letting go.
There is nothing in this world that can’t be resolved. All the pain and miseries are just a part of life.
Legend said that the road to reincarnation was similar to the rotation of a rosary, going through each misery with the heart of tenacity and warmth, following the path of light, and leaving behind a beautiful future.
That June in A City.
It was evening when a middle-aged man from Animus Corporation brought a bunch of documents to me. “These are the documents for the Marketing Department’s use tomorrow. You might need to work overtime today.”
I nodded, paused my work, and glanced at him. “Oh, then I’m not going to the gathering tonight.”
“It’s a company gathering for all colleagues. It’s not a good idea for you to drop out of it,” he nagged.
Slightly annoyed, I let out a sigh. “I’m currently swamped by work.”
“Those documents are needed by tomorrow afternoon. You can arrange them tomorrow morning. Scarlett, you have to socialize more with people,” he elaborated impatiently.
I chuckled. “Savini, I am not anti-social, nor am I trying to avoid the gathering. It’s just that I don’t like it.”
He sighed and continued nagging, “You’ve been here for almost a month. Have you chatted with any of your colleagues yet? If you really want a fresh start, you should get out and mingle!”
I paused whatever I was doing and looked at him. “What is a fresh start?”
“To meet and interact with new people. To make new friends and experience new things.”
“Alright,” I responded and nodded.
He was surprised and assumed that I agreed with his advice. “The gathering is at Oasis Hotel. Don’t be late!”
He proceeded to place an invitation card on my desk and said, “You’ll need to bring along this card with you and retrieve your number card.”
I nodded in understanding. “There’s even an invitation card?” I was surprised.
“Yes,” he replied and walked back to his desk. “The company has already paid in full, so y’all can directly head in for some fun! It’s a hot spring hotel, where the services are all-inclusive. Just head into wherever you want!”
My first thought was that the place sounded luxurious.
After giving me the card, Savini was prepared to leave.
I suddenly recalled that I wanted to apply for leave for the next few days. I called out, “Savini, I need to take leave for the next few days. Please help to approve them.”
He turned his head and furrowed his brows. “Are you heading to K City?”
I nodded. “I need to settle some things.”
“Missing your kid?”
“Kind of.” I realized he was too chatty, so I did not elaborate on my replies.
“Oh, we can go together, then. I’m heading there too in a few days.”
Just when I was about to reject his offer, he interrupted, “Alright, hurry now, you need to pack your stuff and head to the hotel!”
I fell silent as he already turned to leave. I glanced at the clock and saw that it was time to get off work.
Then, I glanced at the invitation card. Since I promised Savini, I had to go even if I did not want to. So, I packed my stuff and grabbed a cab there.
I met two other female colleagues at the hotel entrance and chatted a little.
We retrieved our number cards, and the front desk staff informed us politely, “Kindly change into the clothes and shoes that are provided.”
I was taken aback. Has the service in hotels always been so thoughtful?
Seeing my reaction, the ladies, who had been there before, explained, “This is a hot spring hotel, where the guests are here for leisure instead of accommodation.”
I followed them into the changing room. After changing, I headed up to the game area. It was exactly like what the ladies had described.
The game area, entertainment plaza, and dining area were all at the third level.
I originally thought that it was a normal gathering, where everyone would sit together over food and drinks.
