Author’s Note: Hello! Before I continue, it is NOT required of you to have read the first story. I highly recommend reading it to get an even more complete experience with some references and connections between Ting and Teela. I know what you’re saying right now, WHAT?! A sequel? Haha, yes, this is the sequel to my story ‘Letter From Your Sister” This means we get to see more interactions between our protagonist and his younger sister Teela! But how am I going to write a sequel to a dream I had?
To be honest, I don’t know either. I guess that is where the fun comes in. I get to make things up now to connect this sequel to the first story or dream. Plus, I get to add some of my recent life events and experiences into this piece to spice things up. And if you haven’t figured it out yet, the prequel’s title is included in this one too! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this read! Stick around after the ending to read up on the creative process I went through to get to this point of writing this story!
20 Minutes Read
The door into the patient room closes. This causes Teela to turn and stare at the person in front of her from her seated position on the hospital bed. She’s unable to stop smiling because she’s been waiting for this person. “You made it.” said Teela. “Yeah, I did. Sorry, it took me so long to get here.” said Ting. Ting begins to get teary-eyed seeing his sister in this condition. It reminded him of how their Grandma was in her final years. Weak, fragile, and scared. “You’re crying already? Don’t cry too much. I don’t want my last memories of my Older Brother to be of him crying for me.” said Teela.
“Okay, sorry. I’ll try my best to minimize my crying but there are no guarantees. You already know how I am, still a crybaby even after all these years.” replied Ting. “Well, still try your best. Plus, I don’t have tissues for you this time around.” Teela teased Ting. “Where’s Sister-In-Law? I wanted to see her too.” asked Teela. “She’s waiting outside in the lobby area with Juneson and Caroline. She wanted to give us some privacy first. She’ll come in later with them. How do you feel?” asked Ting. “Better now with you here.” Teela smiled as she said that and blinked a few times sarcastically. Seeing how Ting didn’t smile back she knew he wanted a different reply. “But I know you want my honest answer… I don’t know how much longer I can hold on. I can feel it. I don’t want to continue living in this condition. I don’t want us to focus on that though. Let’s just talk and see how it goes. This may be my last conversation with you, Ting.” replied Teela.
Teela has gotten skinnier due to her ailment. She’s dying. Her strength and energy began to decline the year Ting got married. She didn’t share with anyone about her illness. The only person who knew was Ting and his wife. She kept up the act until it was too late. She held on for so long to see Ting grow with his new beautiful family. In the five years since Ting got married, he has one son named Juneson and one daughter named Caroline. Juneson was born first and Caroline a few years afterward. It’s an interesting juxtaposition here, Teela’s life is ending and Ting’s new life is flourishing.
Ting doesn’t reply as he ponders on Teela’s words. He nods while preparing himself for this conversation with his sister. He takes a minute to himself and looks around Teela’s room. The white and dark blue decorations create a homey feel as the orange and yellow sunset from outside paints the walls through the window. Ting walks over and sits in the chair by Teela’s bed and turns his whole body to face her. Teela breaks the silence by asking Ting first. “I have a lot to talk to you about. You have time for me, right?” Teela asked Ting. “Yes, I’ve been meaning to talk to you too.” Ting replied.
“Then, my first question is, do you think we’ll still have these same feelings? About each other? About the future? About where we will be?” asked Teela. “Maybe? We’re going to change so much. These feelings might change too. I don’t want to forget you. It will be difficult moving on without my Younger Sister to tease and nag at me.” replied Ting. “And what feelings are those that you’re meaning?” asked Teela. “That I love my sister so much. I wish she could have lived a beautiful life. One where the end of her story is filled with happiness and laughter. One where her goodbyes are few and her hellos are definite. One where… one where my sister is alive with me.”
Teela chuckles at that part of Ting’s reply. Teela explained “Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh at that, just now that you said it out loud, it makes me realize that is what I want too. I’ve been convincing myself that this is it and the more I try to reason with it, the more I push back. It’s as if my body isn’t willing to give up yet. And you don’t have to worry about that anymore, please. I did live a beautiful life, I was able to see you study abroad in South Korea. I was able to see you get your degree. And I was able to see you get married. All those memories of you made my life beautiful.” She continued “Can you believe that it’s been five years since then? Five years since I gave you that letter?” asked Teela. “Wow, five years. That’s half a decade already. Has it been that long? I can’t believe that five years went by just like that. It was an enjoyable and happy time we got to experience together. I still have that letter you wrote me. I read it often whenever I feel down or whenever I miss you.” said Ting.
“You still have that letter? Well, it does sound like you. Should’ve known that you would keep it, you big softie.” Teela teased Ting. “You know you never did tell me how you and Sister-In-Law met. I even mentioned it in the letter and you both never spilled the tea. Nor did you tell me the secret to why you both worked out” said Teela. “Right, I guess I never did tell you. Want me to start from the beginning?” asked Ting. Teela nodded and Ting began. “Forewarning, it’s not as exciting as you may think it is. Don’t hype yourself up just to be let down okay.” said Ting. “Just hurry up already Ting” Teela replied and also gave him a quick jab to his side. Compared to her previous punch at Ting’s wedding, this jab barely had any weight behind it.
“We met in the Spring after I graduated from college. I want to say it was at the beginning of March. We met through a mutual friend. Well, we didn’t formally meet each other. It was more like we were in a shared space and saw each other. I didn’t talk to her at first because I was shy and wasn’t trying to do too much. Even though I was shy, my palms were sweating, my body was heating up, and my face was feeling red… my heart wasn’t racing. Weirdly, it was calm. That was something I noticed about myself when I began to interact with her.” said Ting. He continued “Most of our early interactions were through text. And it never really went anywhere. Mainly because I’m a terrible flirt through text and was never really good at it. And you already know how I am. It’s easy for me to fall for someone. And when I fall, I fall hard. Just traits of a hopeful romantic.” Ting jokes.
“Keep going, I want to hear more about her.” Teela pleaded. “Well, you already know she’s not Hmong. Haha, I can hear Grandma turning in her grave right now. Grandma never liked the idea of me dating someone from a different race or culture. But I’m heavily attracted to white women and that’s not something I choose, it’s just enate.” said Ting. “Honestly, I wasn’t shocked when I found out my Sister-In-Law was white. That was your type. And I did mean it when I said in the letter that you outdid yourself with this one. My Sister-In-Law is gorgeous but she has an even more beautiful soul. My sister-in-law has a way of bringing people together.” Teela said happily.
“The first time we formally talked to each other was at a concert-like event. She was there to support her friends and I wanted to attend to support the event too. And a big part of me was secretly hoping that she was attending. And maybe I could muster up the courage to talk to her in person.” Ting smiled sheepishly as he said that. Teela rolled her eyes when he finished his sentence. “I arrived at the event a little late so I missed the opening act and most of the seats were taken up so I decided to stand in the back. As the next act was coming up, I noticed someone coming to stand next to me on my right side. I don’t think she knew it was me who she was standing next to. Or maybe she knew it was me and purposely stood next to me. I finally had enough courage to tap her shoulder and say ‘Hi’” said Ting
“She’s a bit shorter than me. She has straight and flowy black hair that reaches down past her shoulders. The reason she came late was because she had just gotten out of class. The semester is winding down and she’s busy finishing up her assignments and getting ready for graduation. In fact, she had a presentation showcase earlier that week talking about mental health for one of her classes. I found out that we actually liked the same artist due to me showing her the bracelet I was wearing. She’s an interesting person. She works hard and yet doesn’t feel a sense of accomplishment when she scores top of class. It’s just routine for her. Like, it is to be expected. I was shocked when she shared that. It’s such a flex to say that. It made me admire her and her abilities. It also makes me wonder where that level of confidence stems from. Like, what other experiences did she encounter to make her think like that?” Ting rambled on.
“Sorry, I’m going off-topic, anyways we watched the performances together until there was a minor accident in one of the acts that delayed the show. While that was getting sorted out, it allowed me an opportunity to talk to her. Although it didn’t turn out that way as a few of her friends came over and talked with her. Her attention was divided between her friends and me. As she kept talking it got more difficult paying attention to what she was saying because I was getting lost in her eyes. Funny enough she stopped talking and shared an interesting tendency about her eyes when she’s tired. She was a bit pouty when she revealed that small secret to me. And yet, that made her eyes even more beautiful especially when she smiled too.” said Ting “I told her that it was an interesting quirk. To be honest, I love finding out small details like that about a person.” said Ting.
“Can you describe what you saw in those eyes of hers?” asked Teela. “Her eyes held warmth. A warmth that can dispel any forces of winter that dare to stand in her way. A warmth that gives comfort and stability to those lucky enough to meet her eyes. A warmth that soothes the aching soul and reassures us that better things are coming. That’s what I noticed about her eyes. The accident was sorted out and they resumed the show. Until the intermission before the final act, I’d like to think we stood there together enjoying each other’s company and the show. We even learned a quick dance together too. It was as if we were on a semi-date.” said Ting. “Ting, you are so delusional. That’s not a date you dummy.” Teela shook her head as she said that. “Sadly, I ended up leaving early because I had a responsibility to attend so I couldn’t stay with her the whole time.” Ting sadly said.
“I was actually late to my responsibility and I had to make up a lie to appease the people I was meeting. I ended up saying that I was on a date and that made up for everything apparently. However, that did lead to them nagging at me wanting to learn more about who this mysterious date was.” Ting said while chuckling. Teela gave out a sigh and rolled her eyes again. “I ended up sharing the lie with her, your Sister-In-Law called me out saying that she ‘Knew the lie was that I was on a date with someone.’ She wasn’t mad, more like she was elated from predicting that was the lie I told. I ended up saying ‘It wasn’t a total lie. I was on a date… just with myself.’” Ting jokingly said. “WHAT?! Oh my god. You are so corny.” Teela interrupted not believing the cheesiness she was hearing.
“You want to know what really got me hooked though? She said ‘No, you weren’t alone. You were with me.’ I couldn’t tell if she was flirting with me or just teasing me. Probably just teasing me but you know I’m an overthinker so I interpreted as she was flirting with me. And from that, I asked her out on a date.” said Ting. “Just like that? And it worked?” Teela asked, perplexed. “Well… she rejected me. Not once, not twice, but three times actually.” Ting admitted embarrassingly. “Twice in one month and once the following month.” Ting concluded. “Holy shit Ting that’s brutal. Why did she reject you three times?” asked Teela. “She has her reasons why and I respect that. I’m just also a stubborn person so I kept trying.” Ting admitted.
“Should’ve known that you wouldn’t give up that easily. You always go after the difficult things don’t you? You know that’s your red flag right?” Teela stated to Ting. “I know, that is my red flag. I like to see it more as perseverance rather than me being stubborn.” Ting grinned after saying that. His grin fades and he continues “I can never have it easy huh?” “Nope, you never will. You don’t do yourself any favors too. You always go after the impossible and difficult things. Even when you know you’re not supposed to. I know your heart and how you are. Once you set your mind on something, it’s tough to convince you to stop. So, good luck and keep fighting.” said Teela.
“You two did end up getting married so something must’ve worked. What was it?” As Teela finished asking her question, she started coughing and blood dripped out from the corner of her mouth. Ting grabbed a tissue and wiped away the blood. “Sorry about that, I’ve been holding in that cough since you first walked in…” Teela took a deep breath. “So, how did you two get to this point?” Teela asked again. “It…” Ting began but then Teela stopped him by putting a hand up. “Actually, no. Don’t tell me. Save it.” Ting looked at her confusingly. “Tell it to both Grandma and I when you see us again.” Teela requested. “Why?” Ting asked. “It’s better this way.” Teela said smilingly.
As Teela finishes her sentence, it begins to rain outside. “Aww man. I’m running out of time and this is how Mother Earth is sending me off? In this terrible rainy weather?” Teela tried to uplift the mood with a joke. Seeing how that didn’t work she asked a question. “What was your impression of me?” asked Teela. “My first impression of you was that you were strong. Not in the physical sense but in mindset and your drive. You have a contagious optimism. You have a positive perspective on life and yet you don’t bullshit the realities that we encounter too.” replied Ting. Teela doesn’t reply, instead, she stares out the window thinking about Ting’s reply. “You know, I’m usually not that strong. Often I am scared. Scared that I might fail. Scared that everything I worked hard for might not satisfy me in the end. But I was able to get through it all because of you.” answered Teela. The conversation turns silent and they both stare out the window. The silence is filled with sounds of rain from outside. The rain doesn’t seem to slow down anytime soon. Teela stares back at Ting and he asks her.
Ting’s hands went to cover his eyes and he began to sob. “How… How can you say that? How can you say that when I couldn’t even protect you? Am I enough? Was I ever enough?” asked Ting. “You don’t have to be enough for me. Or for Sister-In-Law. You just have to be enough for yourself. And that will always be the most important thing.” replied Teela. Teela sadly asks “So, is this it? Is this where we part ways?” Ting takes a deep sigh and replies “Yes, it is.” Ting stares at her and asks “Did you ever look up what your name meant?” Teela shakes her head. “Can I make up a meaning for you then?” She nods.
“Teela, her name represents the essence of bravery. Rooted in Edelweiss lore, Teela symbolizes the flowers that guide life’s bravest warriors. Those bearing the name Teela are often seen as beacons of hope, a reminder of that the darkness will pass. Teela inspires others to embrace the beauty of each moment with grace and gratitude. People honor the name Teela by gifting the same enduring love to the world like how she has given them.” stated Ting. Teela and Ting stare back at each other holding back their tears.
“It’s selfish of me to be making so many requests to you but can you leave the room and send Sister-In-Law in here? I want to spend some of these last few moments with her alone.” Teela requested. “I don’t want you to see me get any worse and, I have one last letter addressed for Sister-In-Law’s eyes only.” Teela added. “Okay, if that’s what you want. I will grant it but what’s in the letter for her?” Ting curiously asked as he got up to leave. “That’s our little secret.” Teela teased Ting one last time. “So, where will you go after?” asked Ting. “I don’t know. I’m hoping to visit Grandma. It’s been a while since I last saw her. She should hear it from me about this.”Teela answered. “Say ‘Hi’ to Grandma for me?” asked Ting. “Of course.” said Teela.
Ting got up and started walking to the door. As he gets halfway to the door, he turns around and faces his sister. “You memorized it? The letter you wrote to me?” Ting asked. “Yes, I was the one who wrote it to you.” said Teela. “I have one request. May I hear you say that last paragraph to me? I never got to hear it directly from your voice.” asked Ting. “Congratulations again on your marriage big bro. Ting, I will forever be grateful to have a big brother like you. A big brother who continued to believe in the good of the world even when the world gave him every reason not to. You’re doing enough. You’re doing just fine. I know you and you’re trying your best right now. That’s all you need. Just keep your pace. You did a great job today, you worked so hard. You are my prize. Bye, big bro.” said Teela smiling at Ting. “Goodbye, Teela.” said Ting.
The End
Hello everyone! And with that comes the end of my story; LFYS: It’s Better This Way. I want to say thank you to you the readers who have taken the time to read this story. I hope you were able to enjoy it. This is the first story I’ve written post-graduation from college! I had previously gone through and updated my website back in Fall 2023 and was able to upload many of my works that were stored in my vault. Those works were mostly poems and pieces I wrote for school assignments. So, having to restart and write a new story after such a long time proved to be way more difficult than I had expected. I decided to read through some of my prior pieces to see if any of them could give me inspiration or ideas to explore.
I kept coming back to reread ‘Letter From Your Sister’ and the more I kept reading through, an idea popped into my head. Write a sequel for it! Like, it makes sense? What was weird about continuing the story was that it was solely based on a dream I had years ago. So, the difficult part was how am I going to expand on it? I decided to make it an alternative universe where those events did happen and are true. Then I was able to make an expanded story of Ting’s and Teela’s sibling relationship.
While writing this sequel, I still didn’t want to reveal the identity of the ‘Sister-In-Law’ because I still have no clue who that is. But I was able to give her some short interactions between her and Ting in this story to give her a little of character detail rather than the audience having no idea what she looked or acted like. This has been a tough piece to write about but also very enjoyable problem-solving and brainstorming! Thank you so much again for taking the time to read this. I hope everyone stays safe, stays healthy, and I hope this year treats you well. Bye!
Hello, I would appreciate it if you would give me feedback on what you enjoyed and what you didn’t. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment or email me too! Thank you.
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