My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 45

While the community celebrated the resolution of the case, Noah stood silently, tears streaming down his face as he watched the news.

Even with the criminals brought to justice, he felt emptiness. What was the point of being in this world without Eileen?

Noah turned off the TV and headed to the kitchen. He picked up a well-sharpened knife, his thoughts dark. Before he could go through with it, the doorbell rang.

He opened the door to find a man standing there. The man looked surprised to see Noah and smiled. "You look a lot like your sister."

Noah blinked, taken aback. "What did you say?"

The man shook his head, took a drag from his cigarette, and produced a letter from his pocket. "Your sister was very brave. For the last six years, she's had me help her uncover the truth."

He continued, "All her plans were set in motion; she was ready for anything, even death. Before she died, she gave me this letter to deliver to you if Roger ever got caught."

"Oh, and," he added, extending another hand, "This is the gift your sister bought you before she passed. She made me promise to hand it over."

With that, the man turned and left, leaving Noah alone at the door, clutching the envelope with a small note. "To my brother Noah."

The handwriting looked fresh, suggesting it had been written recently. Without hesitating, Noah opened the envelope and took out the letter.

It was written in Eileen's elegant script, albeit trembling slightly, as if she had forced herself to write in a dire situation.

"Noah, I've avenged Rosy. You should have forgiven me by now, right? Even if you don't, I'm heading down to pray for Rosy. Don't worry. She'll be reborn into a wonderful family—I consulted a really great master.

Bro, I remember how much you loved playing with Rosy and building with toy bricks. But you haven't touched them in six years. I can't let you suffer because of my mistakes any longer, so I've decided my path. I hope you don't blame me for it.

This set is from the series you always loved. Do you like it? This is the last time I'm buying you one, so just say you like it.

I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you these six years. Take care."

As Noah hugged the set, tears soaked the letter. His back was stooped and helpless, shaking slightly.

"Eileen, I'm so sorry. Don't leave me alone. I can't go on without you," he cried.

Noah decided to stay in a temple. Three years passed, and every time the master Eileen had sent came to see him, Noah was kneeling before the altar, reciting prayers for the departed.

The master sighed softly. The monk beside him looked up. "Master, is that worshipper still unwilling to leave?"

The master shook his head gently. "His obsession is too deep. He has to find his own way out."

After finishing a prayer, Noah looked up at the master. "Sir, do you think my sister can reach the Pure Land?"

With kind eyes radiating compassion, the master replied, "Be careful not to cling too tightly; that can backfire on you."

But Noah just managed a small smile.

Noah jolted awake, the heavy weight of guilt keeping him from sleeping. Yes, why couldn't he protect someone Rosy had fought so hard to keep safe?

Stumbling about in confusion, Noah thought, he needed to protect Eileen. She was scared when he wasn't around. She would be terrified alone.

As he drifted in thought, he didn't notice the out-of-control truck speeding toward him, nor the blaring horn before the violent crash.

Blood flowed as Noah lay on the ground, and suddenly, the dark night felt like broad daylight.

In the distance, a soft warm light beckoned, and he felt warm hands pulling him.

"Noah, come on. We're going to get our sister back. She's all alone in such a dark place, and she's scared."

"Rosy..."

Noah smiled faintly.

"Let's go home to our adorable Eileen."

On February 25, the president of the White Group was struck and killed by a runaway truck while coming down the mountain, only 32 years old.

(The End)