"Was I able to change?" Episode 5
The moment I closed my eyes for the last time, my hand was gripping the smartphone I had always used. I don't remember how I held it, but it was the device I used to stay in touch with family and friends, so perhaps I grabbed it instinctively. A soft light leaked from the screen, gradually growing stronger and enveloping my consciousness.
When I opened my eyes next, I was standing in an unfamiliar world. The surroundings were wrapped in soft light and nature, with colorful flowers in full bloom and tree leaves swaying in the breeze. A beautiful landscape, as if from a dream, spread out before me. The air was pure, and every time I took a deep breath, the scent of flowers tickled my nose. Each time the wind touched my skin, a pleasant coolness spread throughout my body.
Underfoot, vibrant green grass spread softly, and I could feel its texture with every step I took. Before me, a blue sky and white clouds stretched out, and the sunlight sparkled brilliantly. The light was soft, possessing a warmth that seemed to embrace everything. In the distance, a clear stream flowed, and the sound of its babbling echoed pleasantly in my ears. Small fish swam on the water's surface, sparkling as they reflected the light.
Strangely, I realized that I had the sensation of being able to hear. As I walked among the trees, the sound of rustling leaves and the chirping of small birds reached my ears quietly. Even though I shouldn't be able to hear, I could feel the resonance throughout my entire body. This indicated that this was a mysterious place different from reality. The sound of leaves swaying in the wind, the babbling of the stream, the songs of the birds—all of them played a single harmony. It was as if this world, which I could hear as sound and perceive with my heart, was welcoming me.
As I proceeded further, animals I had never seen before appeared. Butterflies with transparent wings and small birds with glowing wings flew gracefully around me. These creatures seemed to be welcoming me. Butterflies flitted from flower to flower, their wingbeats echoing gracefully on the breeze. Watching that scene, I was enveloped in a feeling as if time had stopped. The butterflies' wings were translucent in the light, casting rainbow-colored shimmers. The small birds seemed to be dancing in the air while chasing each other.
Suddenly, I looked up and saw that mementos from my past were blending into this mysterious landscape. The old sewing machine I had begged for and had bought for me was placed in the shade of a tree. On that machine, a piece of cloth was still set, half-sewn, looking so vivid it seemed as if it might start moving at any moment. In the tall grass sat a doll I had cherished in my childhood, and a gentle smile still lingered on its face. In a corner of the garden, the teapot my mother loved was placed on a table, surrounded by colorful flowers in full bloom. Beside the teapot, several pieces of clothing I had handmade were arranged with good taste.
Moving further, an old photo album that my mother had cherished was hanging from a tree branch swaying in the wind. The pages of the album were turned by the wind, and many nostalgic memories were vividly revived. Black-and-white photos of my mother and me together, and fun times spent with the family, unfolded before my eyes one after another. The scenery warmly wrapped around my heart, and memories of the past came back to life as if they were reality.
When I happened to look at my hand, the screen of the smartphone I was still gripping displayed a mysterious app I had never seen before. Its icon shone as if by magic, and it had a charm that drew me in. The icon featured a design combining natural elements like stars, the moon, and leaves, and its radiance stimulated my curiosity. When I tapped the app out of interest, the screen began to emit a soft light, and my consciousness was drawn far away.
What appeared before me were images of the past and the future. First, what was projected was a scene from my childhood. The days I spent with my mother, her struggling figure, and that warm smile that supported me. The images were as vivid as if they were from yesterday. Scenes of my mother hugging me or cooking together were shown, and the warmth of that time returned to my heart. I could feel the warmth of my mother's hands and the scent of the food she made, as if I were actually there.
Next appeared my daughter Sara spending time smiling with Anna, and Anna growing up and struggling as a mother. For me, it was a scene filled with hope and joy. Anna was shown growing up and taking on new things with a confident expression. "Is this the future?" Seeing her grow as a mother and as a woman made my chest feel warm. Seeing her playing with children who had smiles similar to Anna's, the depth of that love was conveyed.
As I watched the images, various emotions welled up in my heart. Seeing the figures of my childhood self and my mother, my mother's love and strength were vividly revived. My mother always protected and supported me. The warmth of her gentle hands, her smile, and her strictness. Everything continues to live on in my heart. The lessons my mother taught me and the love I felt in our daily life were recalled one after another.
"Mother, your love is deeply rooted within me," I whispered in my heart. Without my mother, I would not have been able to live this strongly. What my mother taught me was not just a lesson; it was my life itself. Every single word my mother told me still serves as my emotional support today.
When my mother passed away, I was enveloped in a great sense of loss. With her gone, I felt as if I couldn't see the future. However, even after that, my mother's words and teachings supported me. The memories she left behind continue to live on in my heart. Even without my mother, those memories and teachings support my life.
I have poured the same love into my daughter Sara. From the moment she was born, a new strength sprouted within me. For me, having lost my hearing, Sara was my ears, my support, and my hope. As she grew, I was often surprised by her strength and kindness. The sight of Sara conveying the sounds of the surroundings on my behalf was an irreplaceable existence for me.
Seeing Sara raising Anna as a single mother, I feel that what I taught her as a mother is bearing fruit. Sara is a strong and kind mother, and watching her fills me with pride. Seeing her spend her days with a smile despite the hardships, I realize that what I taught her is coming to fruition.
Sara is naturally a person of few words, but she holds many thoughts in her heart. Just as I was, she too must be carrying the hardships and joys of being a mother all by herself. Sometimes I wish she would tell me more of what's in her heart, but Sara is always considerate of me. Seeing that, my chest warms at her strength. The strength and kindness hidden within Sara resonate deeply in my heart.
The images projected on the smartphone screen moved as if they were alive, and I could even feel the sounds and scents. Through that power, I was able to relive memories of the past and catch a glimpse of the possibilities of the future. Each and every scene within the images is deeply etched into my heart.
Suddenly the screen froze and text appeared: "Through this journey, please re-examine the important moments of your life and deepen your gratitude and understanding." At the same time, various scenes spread throughout the world.
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