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r/confessions
🦇 oh-madness . 12h
Guys, I might have found something in my father's old stuff.
I didn’t know who to talk to about this, so I guess I’ll share it here.
I am moving out of my house this Saturday. And for that, I was sorting out my old handbooks and clothes in my Dad's room yesterday and came across this weird looking box. I know it was wrong for me to open it, but I guess curiosity got the best of me.
In my defense, it wasn't hidden properly. Like simply in my sight. As if someone opened it everyday. It wasn't very rusty either. I can say my father takes care of his stuff very well and this did not come as a surprise to me.
But what surprised me the most was the box's contents.
Letters, heck lot of letters. Some new, some yellow. Some of them were taped up too. There were some photographs and tickets and stuff.
My immediate thought was whether my father is/was cheating. It was a tough thought, to be honest. I have always been closest to my Dad and seeing this was nothing less than a heartbreak.
Still, I gathered my wits and went through a few of the top letters.
It wasn't written by my Dad. Nor by my Mum.
For some reason, my father has letters addressed to my uncle. And he goes through these letters regularly, looking at the state of the box and how well these stuff were cared for.
I thought it was weird. But things got weirder.
I remember this uncle of mine. He is a happy guy, and attends most of our family gatherings. He has a home in the country-side, I think. Haven't been there even once.
But these letters tell a completely different story.
He was once married to this person who is/was writing him letters. I don't remember this because it was years ago. He has always been alone in front of me at least. And my Dad never brings that up either.
And god damn it, the longing in the letters threw me into a whirlpool of emotions. This person truly loved my uncle. Maybe he still does. I don't know, I can't say how old these letters are.
Isn't it strange that they say people who are meant to be together find their ways despite everything. Then why is this person suffering this much?
I feel like I'm getting too invested in this love story. Like I have to do something, speak to someone and get this mess fixed.
God, I don't even know if Uncle knows the existence of these memories. I would be truly heartbroken if he doesn't. He deserves to at least know there's someone who is still looking out for him.
And I don't know why my Dad is hiding this from him, if he is. I feel terrible knowing this and not able to do anything for both my uncle and his lover.
What do you guys suggest I do?
35 Upvotes . 47 Comments
🏙️ SummerSkies . 11h
Wow, this seems like a movie plot. Something out of Summer rom-com. Anyway, I think you should try asking your father about it.
🦇 oh-madness 🎤 . 7h
IKR, and I think that's a better idea too. I just don't know how to talk to him about it.
🦊 MunMun32 . 11h
I know 100% you feel like shit and I would too, but from a third person's perspective it seems like your father is trying to save something. It could be anything. Maybe he has the letters because your uncle's lover keeps on sending out to your address. Or it could be them asking your father to keep these letters as a memory. We won't know unless we ask. Stay strong!! You're allowed to feel whatever you're feeling right now but asking your father is the only thing you can do right now. Or contacting your uncle, if you are still in touch with him. Good luck, you got this!!
🦇 oh-madness 🎤 . 7h
Makes sense and no, I am not really in touch with him. I guess I'll have to speak to my father about it. And wow, that scares me like anything.
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"Hey buddy, ready for the moving day?"
"Yes Dad. All set."
"Tomorrow, at 10 right? I'll call sick, let me take you tomorrow at least. God knows how often you'll come visit this old man later."
"Hmm."
"Seungmin? What's wrong?"
"I...I want to ask something."
"Yes, tell me?"
"I was looking for my books and saw your…..I saw the letters."
"Oh."
"Does Uncle know?"
"No."
"Dad, what the hell. Why can't he? This is not fair."
"I was asked not to share. I'm just keeping my promise."
"Do I know this person?"
"Yes."
"Dad, why are you doing this? Don't you think uncle deserves to know?"
"It's been years, Min. I don't think he wants to even."
"Are you sure? Did you even ask him about this?"
"He is happy, Seungmin. Let it be. It's not your business."
"I want to talk to uncle. Give me his number. Please."
"It will be of no use, Min. Some things are better left unsaid. Don't get too invested."
"Okay. Nevermind. I'll do what I have to do."
"Seungmin, no. Listen to Dad. It's of no use. I have tried. Your uncle…...he has cut down every memory. Don't hurt him please."
"Okay. Then give me this person's number? I don't know Dad, something doesn't feel right."
"Min, don't get involved. It has nothing for you."
"It hurts to see them like this. See you like this, Dad. And I'm not going to stop here."
"Okay, I'll give you both of their numbers. I hope you'll be able to do what I couldn't do."
"YES! THANK YOU!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!"
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Seungmin isn't sure what he should be expecting out of all this ordeal.
The situation here is unlike any movie he has ever seen - a reluctant and closed off person and someone who's still looking to rekindle their lost romance.
He is caught in a cross-fire.
But all these months digging through their history has him motivated enough to push forward. If anyone deserves a second chance, it would be them.
Seungmin is not new to love. He is 21, born out of love, and has several relationships under his belt.
The feeling of being with someone, imagining a whole life with them, cherishing little and every moment. He knows most of it.
Love is self-expression. Passing through waves to get to the shore. Meetings after life. Nothing and everything at once.
And he knows what he witnessed on papers is pure love. And guilt. And self-loathing. And longing.
It's funny how he is playing a central role in this risky game. Any wrong move could further push one of the players away.
But Seungmin knows he is playing for the good. He knows from his Dad's stories that his uncle is in the same boat.
There's literally no way they could stop loving each other.
I was there. I saw the tension. Half of it stemmed from our problems, Seungmin. We pushed your uncle away to where he is right now. He was happier with him. They only rarely visited us, your grandparents and I. But it was okay because he was happy.
He is not very familiar with his grandparents, but he knows it wasn't a good environment to grow up in. His father makes every excuse under the sun to even meet them now.
It's crazy how it took him ages to be here. Both literally and figuratively.
A small house. Bright and airy. Sunlight reflecting through the edges.
Suits his uncle.
Seungmin turns off his gas and takes a few minutes to calm himself. He can do it. This is possible. Things won't get lost at least this time.
He steps down and walks towards the main door. Freshly installed.
It doesn't take him more than three rings to meet the person he's come here for.
Still as energetic.
Still with a great smile.
Still so handsome.
He can see some semblance with his father. Age adding up to them, salt and pepper. They are only 2 years apart. His father and uncle.
"Oh, Seungmin. It's so nice to see you. You've grown so much."
"You look good too, Uncle."
"Hahaha, maybe it's the gardening. Will you be staying till the evening? I'll walk you through my strawberry bushes. They've come out to be well."
"Yeah, I'll be here."
And he will be. He won't leave unless he gets an answer, any answer. His uncle can't be dodging bullets all the time.
The interiors are warm and full of green plants. Some succulents, cacti, indoor plants, flowers. A worn down sofa. Mismatched cushions.
"Want coffee?"
"No, no. I'm okay."
You know when you feel like you are in a movie. At a place you've already been to. More than a Deja Vu.
He knows this setting. It has been described well in the letters. Everything down to that hibiscus cushion and that single succulent.
Aurora .
"Uncle, why are you still running away?"
Uncle Minho has his back facing Seungmin. But he doesn't need to see his face to know his Uncle is struggling. This has startled him. Even though he knows why Seungmin has traveled 3 hours to be here.
"You can't avoid it forever."
"I have nothing to say. I let him go."
"And he wants you. He still wants you. Why are you doing this to yourself?"
"It's hard on him. He knows that too."
"And you let Dad block his connection to you? He has been trying all these years, Uncle. You are being cruel right now."
"It's for his own happiness."
"And are you happy?"
"I am."
"Okay. Then why are you still keeping this stupid cushion with you?"
He can feel it. The broken heart. The rundown of memories. It's Seungmin who is the cruel one here. He is forcing his uncle to live through things he possibly kept at the back of his mind.
But this set up of his home has raised some encouragement for Seungmin. This is not a total lost cause.
Things can be revived.
As Changbin says.
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Hey Minho,
It's me again.
I'm not sure why I'm still trying, it's been 3 weeks since the last divorce sitting. I see you've given up already. I can't do that. I know things can be corrected still.
We just need to push a little forward. In the same direction.
Don't get away from me. I'm tired.
I love you,
Changbinnie
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Hey Minho,
Ah, you turned 40 this week. It's weird right? I can't meet you, we are no longer together, but I still remember everything.
Such an idiot.
I wonder if you have anyone to share your birthday with. I will be happy if you have, and even if you are single and miserable as me.
I am holding on to moments now, to our memories. And I'll keep trying even if nothing happens.
I lost you once, I won't do the same mistake twice.
I know you won't answer. I am not expecting you to. Hope you are happy. That's all I need.
Love you,
SCB
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Hey Minho,
I met Juyeon and Seungmin today. Such a bright child. And ah, I thought I was forgetting your face. Glad I can still see you, even if through your brother.
Crazy right?
I've shifted places now. It's bigger and more comfortable. I've tried to decorate it as we had it in our home. I couldn't find the exact cushion cover, but it has hibiscus print too. I miss you, Minho.
Haha, I think my letters are getting shorter by the day and honestly, I am living through these only. Maybe one day you'll reply.
Just maybe.
I love you,
Changbinnie
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"Uncle, will you?"
"I don't know, I don't know if I'm ready yet."
"Just call him. He is waiting, Uncle."
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❤️
r/feelings
🦇 oh-madness . 2h
Love is beautiful. I never thought I would witness something like this.
Do you think someone can keep waiting for someone for more than 20 years?
I never did too.
But I witnessed it and even officiated it haha.
There are only a few things that affect me, generally. And really, looking at my uncle and his lover (now, my uncle too) my perception has changed totally.
It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to let go and move on. But it's okay to go for that second chance too.
I am happy to see them happy together. I feel like a proud father now hahaha. Hope they are having fun on their journey. They have full 20 years to live again.
15 Upvotes . 2 Comments