fairy tale??? nah...there's nothing such a fairy tale...grow up dude

Once upon a time (like in fairytales) there was a male divorcee—it was about 35 years ago. He was left by his wife for a powerful wealthy general. She took their 3 kids with her and didn’t let that guy see his kids. That guy was depressed and resigned from his company (he was quite ok actually, worked for the state oil company). Then he went to another city and chatted with his cousin quiet often. There, he met a wonderful young woman.

That woman was much younger than that guy, about 14 years younger than him. She was a niece of that guy’s cousin’s wife (ouch….that guy had a cousin, his cousin had a wife, and that wife had a niece…that was her). That young woman, because of political instability had to stay with her oom and tante. She was bright, pretty, funny and everything.

That guy had a feeling to her, and sure no one would support him. He was an old divorcee guy. His cousin and his wife said no…with big NO. They asked their niece to be away from him, and it was not a big deal for her. She was wonderful, and there were many guys attracted to her.

Until one day. She got a car accident. She suffered a severe brain injury. It made her to be the first survived brain surgery patient in Indonesia. She was hospitalized for more than 6 months. It was not all; she lost one of her eyesight and hearing.

For 6 months, doctors wrapped her eyes to avoid losing her eyesight. Day by day, every single early evening, that old guy went to see her at hospital. He brought bouquets of flowers, foods and fed her, read books for her and talked. He gave her a radio so she wouldn’t be lonely when he was not there. He did these all until she went out off hospital.

Since she had brain surgery, that young woman had to cut off her knee length hair. She was bald and had to keep it like that for few months, to get further medical check up. That guy told her that she was still pretty and didn’t need to worry about her looks.

That young woman felt uncomfortable with her bald head, and that guy bought her some wigs. He asked her if she was embarrassed with her baldness she could wear one of those wigs. She tried it on for one or two days. Then she felt it was itchy and hot. It was killing her, especially since scars on her head weren’t well cured yet.

Then that guy bought her pieces of shawl, to protect her head from cool wind and covering her head. At the same time that guy kept telling her that she reminded the same. Eventually that young woman believed him. She was pretty cuckoo actually. She went out in nice dress and bald head.

Another problem arose. When her hair started growing, she couldn’t find a soft comb. Her head skin was too sensitive. Combs hurt her. One night, that guy asked her to go out as usual (they dated already). They walked together for few hours. During that walking, that guy scratched a blue plastic comb to wall. He did it until he was sure that that comb was comfortable enough for her. Then he asked her whether she could use that comb. Yes she could. Finally she had a comb for her hair. For others it was a cheap silly plastic comb, but for her it was everything.

With that comb, that guy proved his love to her. He asked her to marry. They lived together for almost 30 years. He made many mistakes to her. He cheated her for many times, but she always forgave him. He passed away 4 years ago in her arms, (tomorrow it will be 5 years). And that comb? It is still her precious treasure. She might lose her property, jewelries, but she would keep it safe.

I was born from that couple, and proud to be their daughter. I love this love story. Mama told me this since I was a child. After papa passed away I understood her feeling better. My tears drop every time I remember this story

Bangkok, December, 8th 2005.