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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter Five
"I kneel once more before the grave of my Ancestors, pleading for their forgiveness, unsure if this will quell their anger."
The night was thick and impenetrable, like a massive black beast quietly prowling the earth, devouring all light. Lightning flashed like the claws of a ferocious creature, tearing through the darkness and briefly illuminating the eerie outline of the ancestral hall. I stood outside, trembling uncontrollably, the old man's words echoing in my ears like a death knell, striking at my fragile nerves. I had no choice but to believe him; apart from his explanation, I found no reason to account for the strange occurrences that had plagued me. Shattered glass, inexplicable noises, and that lingering chill...
I stumbled back home, my heart racing as I grabbed the incense and joss paper for the Ritual, clutching them like a lifeline. Once again, I set out towards the graveyard; the night wind howled like a wailing ghost, sending chills down my spine. The branches by the roadside swayed in the wind like clawed demons, as if they would pounce on me at any moment. I felt myself walking step by step towards an abyss, towards an unknown terror; each step felt like walking on a razor's edge, fear coiling around my heart like a vine, nearly suffocating me.
Arriving once more at the Ancestral Grave, I lit the incense with trembling hands and arranged the offerings. This time, I did not treat it casually as before; instead, I knelt respectfully and bowed three times deeply, my forehead touching the cold earth, bringing a piercing chill.
"O Ancestors above, unworthy descendant XXX," my voice trembled with a hint of tears. "Due to momentary negligence, I forgot the Zhongyuan Festival; I deserve to die a thousand deaths! I humbly beseech you to forgive my transgressions and bless me with safety!" Tears blurred my vision as I choked on my words, recounting everything that had transpired over these days to my Ancestors—my fears, my anxieties, my regrets. I poured out my heart as if speaking to beloved family members, longing for their understanding and forgiveness.
Gradually, the wind died down; the branches ceased their swaying, and everything around me fell silent as if listening to my confession. A strange sense of calm washed over me—a relief unlike any other—as if a heavy stone pressing on my chest had finally been lifted.
Suddenly, I noticed an unusual light appearing in the sky above the Ancestral Grave. The glow was soft and warm, like a mother's embrace, dispelling the fear and unease within me. I stared at this light in awe and wonder. Could it be... could it be that my Ancestors truly heard my plea? Had they really forgiven me?
The light lingered for a moment before slowly fading away; the night sky returned to its tranquil state as if nothing had happened. Rising to my feet, I felt invigorated as if reborn. I bowed three more times before turning away from the grave. This time, I did not look back because I knew that the fear in my heart had vanished.
As I walked homeward, the night breeze caressed me; branches swayed gently, rustling softly like a lullaby. Looking up at the sky, stars twinkled brightly against a luminous moon; everything appeared so peaceful and serene. Upon returning home, I took a hot shower—the water washing over me also cleansing away my fatigue and fear. Lying in bed, I felt an unprecedented sense of ease and comfort before quickly drifting off to sleep.
In my dreams, I saw a realm of light where a kind elderly woman stood before me. She smiled warmly at me with eyes filled with love. I knew she was my grandmother—my Ancestor. "Child, you have suffered," her gentle voice brushed against my heart like a spring breeze.
"Grandma, I'm sorry; I should not have forgotten the Zhongyuan Festival," I cried out in remorse.
"Child, knowing your mistakes and correcting them is a great virtue. Remember to honor the Ancestors and respect tradition," my grandmother said kindly, her voice filled with love and guidance.
"I understand, Grandma," I replied, my voice choked with emotion, my heart overflowing with gratitude and warmth.
She smiled and nodded, her figure gradually fading away, along with the light. I suddenly awoke, realizing that dawn had broken. I got up and walked to the window, pushing it open and taking a deep breath. The morning air was fresh and cool, carrying a hint of earthiness that invigorated me.
Looking outside, the sun shone brightly, birds chirped, and flowers bloomed; everything seemed so beautiful. My heart was filled with hope and joy, as if all my troubles had vanished into thin air. Just then, my phone rang; it was Zhang Qiang calling.
"Hello, Zhang Qiang," I answered the call.
"Are you okay? You looked unwell yesterday; I thought..." Zhang Qiang's voice was laced with concern and hesitation.
"I'm fine now; it's all behind me," I said with a smile, my tone light and natural. "Thank you for worrying about me, Zhang Qiang."
"That's good to hear," he replied, clearly relieved. "Let's have dinner together tonight to celebrate."
"Sounds great," I agreed with a smile, warmth flooding through me.
After hanging up the phone, I walked to the mirror and looked at myself. A long-lost smile spread across my face. I felt as if I had been reborn, filled with vitality and hope. Just then, there was a knock at the door... "Who is it?" I wondered as I walked to the door and opened it. "It's you?"
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