Happy Ending: A Beautiful Conclusion
In life, there are some mysteries that you can’t unravel, and there are inevitably regrets. As long as we hold on to a hopeful heart and strive earnestly, there’s nothing to regret.
That year, I was working as an editor at a magazine.
One day, I received a manuscript. After reading just two paragraphs, I didn’t want to continue. The writing style was unremarkable, and the language was dull and rigid. So, I rejected it.
But a few days later, I received the same manuscript again. I was a bit surprised because authors usually don’t resend their rejected work. Out of curiosity, I finished reading the manuscript. It was a love story. Although the writing was not very good, I could feel the deep emotions within the lines.
He and she were high school classmates. They liked each other then. When they both failed their college entrance exams, their dreams were shattered. Finally, they decided to go out and work. They went to Beijing together and rented a tiny room that could only fit a bed and a gas stove. He worked at a construction site, and she was a waitress at a hotel.
Their life was very frugal but happy. However, fate loves to play tricks. One night, he came home to find her collapsed on the floor, her face pale. He picked her up and rushed to the hospital. But the test results hit him like a ton of bricks—leukemia. He didn’t tell her, and she didn’t tell him either. She pretended not to know and kept smiling and laughing every day. Every time he saw her smile, he would smile too, but his heart was bleeding.
The ending was somewhat unexpected; the girl miraculously recovered. They resumed their happy life together.
There was a note at the end of the article: She loves reading your magazine and rarely misses an issue. Often, she would tear up while reading, then lean on my shoulder, and that was my happiest moment. I love letting her lean on me. Once, she suddenly said, “Wouldn’t it be great if you could publish an article here?” I laughed, “You know how bad my writing is.” She laughed too, “Who doesn’t know that? I’m just joking.” Now I can’t help her with anything. I just want to fulfill her little wish.
I realized it was a true story, but with an anticipated ending.
I replied to him, “The article is promising, but the language needs some refinement. Also, could you change the ending? A tragic ending could move readers more.”
Two days later, he replied. The language was indeed more polished, but the ending remained unchanged.
In his final note, he wrote, “Editor, can we not change the ending?”
I once again asked him to tighten the paragraphs and pointed out some language issues. This time, I didn’t mention the ending.
When it was time to publish, I still hoped he would change the ending. I asked him once more.
He replied, “I don’t want to change it. I believe we will have a happy ending.”
I understood then; this was his dream. Her wish also contained his dream. After being an editor for so long, I was almost solely focused on pleasing the readers.
I didn’t hesitate any longer and submitted the manuscript. Shortly after, the article was published, and I sent him a copy of the magazine.
A month later, he told me the girl had passed away. She repeatedly read that deeply affectionate article and left with a smile on her face.
I felt a bit down for him. Her wish was fulfilled, but his dream wasn’t.
Many years later, I understood that not all dreams come true. Sincere efforts don’t always unlock all mysteries. Some mysteries in life can’t be unraveled, and there are inevitably regrets. As long as we hold on to a hopeful heart and strive earnestly, there’s nothing to regret. For that girl, having such a loving boy in her short life was perhaps enough. And for that boy, letting the girl he loved leave with a smile might have been an immense comfort.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
