Tragedy Story: When the Lilacs Bloom at the Grave
Tang Lei first saw Lilac during the company’s recruitment interview. Among the many charming women, he noticed her immediately—no overly elaborate makeup, just a simple white shirt, a silver short skirt, and elegant legs. There was no arrogant or self-righteous superiority about her. She simply smiled faintly, as if nothing mattered to her.
At that moment, he decided to hire her.
He was a man admired and spoiled by women. By day, he wore branded suits and shirts, maintained a distant smile that kept others at bay, commanded a high salary that others envied, and orchestrated all company affairs with ease. After work, he went to bars to drink.
In the bar, listening to low music, mildly intoxicated by the smell of tobacco and alcohol, he could see the youthful, heavily made-up faces of charming women. He felt he needed this simple yet vulgar pleasure.
During the first meeting with the new employees, Lilac argued with him. She wanted to create a series of advertisements about the education situation of children in impoverished areas. However, he was only interested in making money. His high authority and confidence crumbled under her faint ridicule and contemptuous smile. He watched gloomily as the warmth in her eyes slowly cooled.
At the moment she turned to leave, he couldn’t help but stop her. He heard himself say, “Lilac, don’t go, do it your way.”
A month later, he personally accompanied her to collect materials. They witnessed the bustling city on the train and arrived in a remote, naturally beautiful village. When they appeared outside the dilapidated school, a group of children suddenly rushed toward them, flying to her side, hugging her tightly, surrounding her completely. He was astonished to hear the children call her, “Teacher Lilac.”
She turned around, her eyes full of cunning smiles. She playfully said, “Tang Lei, I tricked you into coming here.” He became lost in her sweet smile. It turned out she was a volunteer teacher in this poor village. To provide the children with a good learning environment, she sought a well-funded advertising company to plan a series of reports, drawing more societal attention to education and gaining support. Indeed, she tricked him into this barren place. However, he seemed to be willing.
After a night of rain, the air was filled with the fresh scent of lilacs. The soft quilt was comfortable and peaceful. Far from the city’s bright lights and noisy bars, he had a restful sleep. He woke from his dream to see her among the lilac flowers on the mountain in front of the school. The bright sunshine illuminated the crystal-clear water droplets on the petals.
He suddenly asked her, “Why are you called Lilac?” She looked at him with a smile, as bright as the surrounding sunlight. She said, “Because I love lilac flowers the most, that’s why I’m named after them.” He also smiled, saying no more, quietly watching her enjoy the fragrance of the flowers.
A month later, they left the village school. He could see her reluctance. But she had to go back to personally complete the plan.
As the car entered the bustling city, seeing her gradually distant and indifferent smile, he suddenly missed her sweet, kind, and unguarded smile. Thus, he realized he had already fallen.
He fell in love with her. Perhaps, from the first time he saw her, he was already captivated.
Back at the company, she began to work frantically. Despite his concerned looks and reminders to rest, she often just looked at him silently, with a pale smile. His heart ached bit by bit.
The advertisement was finally completed, creating a sensation. People contributed their efforts for the children. Everyone was happy and suggested visiting the village school again. Lilac happily agreed.
This time, she led them up the mountain behind the school, where delicate lilacs also bloomed. On the mountain top, there was a small temple. They made wishes in the temple. She suddenly asked him, “Do you believe in an afterlife?” He turned to look at her. She was looking up at the Buddha statue, her eyes misty and distant, seemingly seeing through past and present lives into the afterlife. He whispered, “Yes.” She smiled, turned to look at him, and said, “I do too.”
On the way down the mountain, they walked far behind the others. He suddenly stopped, tightly gripping her slender shoulders. He said, “Lilac, will you give me a promise for this life?” She looked up, her eyes gradually reddening. She raised her hand, gently touching his handsome face, and shook her head slightly.
His face turned pale instantly. “Why?” he asked. She turned around, seeing the rolling mountains, lush and bright. The blue sky was filled with the fragrance of lilacs. She faced the wind, lifted her head, and slowly spread her arms. Her delicate face was bathed in sunlight. She only said, “I belong here.”
He looked at her, a desperate growl escaping his throat. He quickly left. She weakly slid to the ground, unable to hold back her tears.
The next day, Lilac saw everyone off. They asked her reluctantly if she was really staying. She just smiled and nodded. Everyone shook hands and hugged her, then got in the car. Only Tang Lei was left. She walked toward him, looking up at him, her eyes full of reluctance. Her eyes started to moisten. She said, “Goodbye, Tang Lei.”
He looked at her. His eyes started to turn red. But soon, he regained his calm and indifferent demeanor. He nodded and said, “Take care.” Then he got in the car. They waved goodbye. Tang Lei turned his face away.
The car gradually moved away. Her soul seemed to begin floating out of her body, and memories of the past surfaced in her mind: their first meeting, the first argument, the first arrival in this small village…
She suddenly fainted.
Epilogue:
Soon after, Tang Lei received a letter from Lilac.
The letter read:
Lei, actually, that day on the mountain after making a wish, I wanted to give you a promise for this life. But I have little time left in my life, not enough to make such a promise. So now, I can only say sorry. When you read this letter, I have already left this world.
The happiest thing for me is to do something for the children before I go. The school is being rebuilt. I believe they will soon be able to study in bright classrooms. I should thank you. You created the conditions for them. And… I fell in love with you.
Remember in the temple, I asked if you believed in an afterlife? At that time, I was so afraid you would say no. Fortunately, both you and I believe in an afterlife. I had already made a wish to Buddha, asking for a chance to meet you in the next life.
Don’t be sad. Live well and happily.
We’ll meet again in the next life. —Lilac
He closed his eyes, feeling warm tears flowing. In his mind, her sweet smile, cunning eyes, pale face, and desperate smile at parting floated…
His cigarette was still in his hand. He held his head and slowly squatted down, letting out a sharp cry like a wounded beast…
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
