nothing in the world belongs to me, but my love is mine, all mine, all mine.

The sunlight was not too harsh, but rather offered warmth to the entire modest house, supported by stacks of wood, which greatly helped a woman in her final stage of life as she sewed. Sitting comfortably in her rocking chair, her wrinkled, skin-covered fingers deftly threaded a piece of thread through the needle's eye, which was hard to see with ordinary vision without squinting—unless the eyes were very healthy.

"I can see the hole. But I can't do it as quickly as you, Granny."

The voice distracted the woman who was called Granny. Her eyes shifted toward a girl who had just become a woman two years ago. "How long have you been here, Cassie? You startled me," she said, then chuckled softly, shaking her head. Her attention returned to the thread and needle.

"Hehe, Granny was too focused, that's why you didn't see me come in." The woman called Cassie stood up from her squatting position, level with her grandmother's knees. Her eyebrows furrowed as her ears caught the sound of something falling from the ceiling. Not out of panic or surprise, but with a sigh and a shake of her head, Cassie responded, as if this was a common occurrence.

"Go up to the attic, Cassie. That's the call to play," Granny said, still focused on her task.

"Okay. I'm heading up!"

Cassie's long legs quickly carried her up to the second floor, then the third, and finally the three-and-a-halfth floor—the attic. Despite being on the highest floor, the ceiling in this house wasn't very tall. Anyone on the ground floor could easily hear any sound coming from this attic, especially the one that had just occurred.

"Rosy, don't you run away!" Cassie jogged to catch the one she called Rosy, a nimble creature with eyes like autumn and fur as gray as Cassie's old Halloween costume. Rosy, no longer as small as she was two years ago when Granny gave her as a birthday gift, had been left with Granny today because Cassie had to take her parents on a business trip.

"I already told you, don't stray too far from Granny! Why are you playing up here?" Rosy meowed once in response to her owner's scolding, as if saying, "I do what I want!" This earned her an aggressive burst of affection from Cassie, making the little creature squirm uncomfortably. Her sharp yowl was enough to free her from Cassie's embrace, and she quickly scampered away on her short legs.

"Tch, what a cat!" muttered Cassie. A moment later, she coughed a bit from the dust stirred up by the boxes Rosy had accidentally knocked over. She got up, intending to tidy them up again. She lifted one box, then another, and soon her attention was caught by the contents of one particular box.

From the look in her eyes, Cassie was now focused on an old book that was neither too thick nor too thin, with a cover that read ‘Bella’s.’ The title was still fairly legible despite the book's age, which Cassie guessed to be older than Granny, judging by the yellowed, brownish pages. Beneath the stack of books were several old envelopes. The only visible marking on one was the initial ‘J’ in the lower left corner of the envelope. Once again, Cassie furrowed her brows in curiosity.

“What is this? A diary? Who’s Bella? And who’s J?” Cassie muttered to herself. “Maybe I should just open it.” Following her intrusive thought, she carefully opened what she believed to be a diary, cautious not to damage the fragile pages. On the very first page, she found her answer as her eyes caught the date when the entries were written.

"January 1939? What the hell? Whose is this? Granny wasn’t even born then."

Her eyes moved down to the handwritten entries. It took her a minute to fully read the entire first page. Her mind began to process the first clue of this puzzle. 

“Okay, so she met this guy.”

January 4, 1939  

I met him at the park when I went out for some fresh air. He approached me and sat on the swing next to mine.  

"Life is boring, but there's something exciting about it; we never know what will happen in the next second."  

That’s what he said to me. I just laughed at him then because I thought he was odd. He didn’t even greet me, and we didn’t know each other yet. He also asked if I often visited the park. I didn’t give him an honest answer since he was a stranger. But somehow, every time I returned, he was always there. Even though I had answered casually and only visited the park occasionally. I found him strange. He was the strangest person I had ever met.  

His hair was different from mine. He had black hair. His eyes weren’t like mine or anyone else around here. His eyes were black and smaller. Strange, right? He was entirely different from anyone here. So where did he come from?  

Love,  

Isabella  

Cassie nodded after reading the name she assumed to be the full version of "Bella" written on the cover of the book. However, she still hadn’t uncovered who Bella really was. Her fingers brushed over the pages until more writing and a new date appeared on the next page. This time, it took her two minutes to read through it, and a small smile spread across her thin lips.

“Does Isabella write in her diary once a month?” she mused aloud.

February 13, 1939 

It’s been a month of meeting him, and I still don’t know the name of that boy. Alright, I admit he’s rather sweet. I like the way he says things. I like the way his eyes look at me. I like hearing him talk. I like the color of his hair, so different. I like seeing his lips smile. I like the softness of his palms. But I’ve never held his hand... or learned his name.

I last saw him a week ago. This week, I haven’t been able to find him whenever I go to the park. Where did he go? I don’t think we argued, and I don’t recall saying anything that could have hurt him. Am I ugly? Am I boring? Am I stupid? Is that why he doesn’t want to come back? I was planning to ask him his name.

I could tell Papa about this. Maybe that boy is the son of one of his friends. Or just someone he knows, or perhaps Papa has met him before? But my relationship with Papa hasn’t been great lately. Still, it was this tension with Papa that led me to meet the boy with black hair. He made me forget about Papa for a while when I was with him. Ugh, I hope he hasn’t left for good. Could he come back next week? He hasn’t forgotten about me, has he? COME BACK, YOU ODD BOY!

Love,  

Isabella

A chuckle escaped from Cassie’s lips. “Isabella, you’re just missing him! Didn’t people in the old days understand longing?” She flipped to the next page, and it seemed like she could finally breathe a sigh of relief, just as Isabella must have felt at that moment.

February 20, 1939   

HE’S BACK! THAT WEIRD BOY FINALLY SHOWED UP! It turns out he was told by his parents to study. Boring to hear, but I love the way he tells me stories. He said he would be studying elsewhere soon. His dad also mentioned that his family would be moving away. I’m confused about what that means. But he said that’s still a long way off, so we can keep meeting.

I finally asked that boy what his name was. Instead of answering, he just laughed. Is asking for someone’s name really that funny? What a weird kid! I pushed him until he fell off the swing! Instead of crying, he just laughed even harder. Is he crazy?

He finally stopped laughing after I called him weird a few times. But I think I’m the weird one this time. I’ve met plenty of new people before. I’ve introduced myself and looked into their eyes to learn their names countless times. Why did I hold my breath when I learned that weird boy’s name? Why did I freeze when he smiled and told me his name? HEY WEIRD BOY, YOU’RE FALLING AND SITTING ON THE GROUND, YOU KNOW?

It’s strange to be friends for a month and only just learn your name, Jeremy!

Love,  

Isabella  

Cassie’s smile grew wider as she read the third page. She even covered her mouth, feeling that it was just too sweet. Cassie was indeed a fan of old love stories. To her, the way couples from the past loved each other seemed incredibly genuine. So after just three pages, she was already completely enchanted by Isabella’s tale and her odd boy, Jeremy. Without waiting any longer, she eagerly turned to the next page.

March 24, 1939 

There’s so much I want to share from last month. But the most important thing is that this afternoon when we met, we didn’t just sit on the swings; we ran around and played! He laughed so freely. His soft, well-groomed black hair danced in the wind. His cheeks puffed up, making his eyes curve in delight. And today... he looked handsome to me. Strange, right?

We also lay on the grass to catch our breath after running around. At first, it felt ordinary until I felt something on the palm of my hand. My heart started racing so fast that I struggled to catch my breath. I couldn’t hear anything except for Jeremy’s voice softly reaching my ears—just like what my palm was feeling.

"I like you, Isabella. Can we not just be friends?"

I didn’t know how to react, so I kissed his right cheek and ran away after that. I ran with a smile, and before I got too far, I turned around and agreed to Jeremy's question.

The weird boy who is no longer just my friend… oh…

Love,  

Isabella  

Cassie smiled as she read this page, picturing the time they spent together from their reunion until this moment, even though Isabella hadn’t described everything in detail. Now, Cassie was incredibly curious about the next page. She wondered what Isabella would write about the boy who was no longer just a friend. At this point, she was certain that the diary was solely about Jeremy. With excitement, she quickly turned to the next page, eager to see what would unfold in Isabella’s story.

April 12, 1939   

I almost wasn’t allowed to go out today because I had to stay home to greet one of Papa’s close friends. I don’t like this visit from Papa’s friend because I’m always asked to entertain their kids. I call him Uncle Dan. Uncle Dan’s son is supposed to be around my age. Is that why I have to play with him?

I didn’t want to introduce that boy to Jeremy. Of course, I didn’t want my time with Jeremy to be interrupted by him. So, I took him to the backyard and told him to wait there. He trusted me, and I dashed off to the park.

When I got there, I didn’t approach Jeremy right away. My feet suddenly stopped in a place where I was behind him, waiting on the swing. It seemed like my legs were purposefully pausing so I could look at Jeremy longer from behind. Oh, I really wanted to run and hug him and play with his beautiful black hair. How can he look so lovely to me? If only I could take a picture of him to keep. I’ll borrow Papa’s camera later.

Love,  

Isabella  

“Damn, Uncle Dan’s son? Papa’s close friend? I can smell a matchmaking attempt coming on,” Cassie chuckled to herself. The next page was bound to be the most anticipated one yet.

May 3, 1939 

Today, Jeremy and I talked a lot. I love our conversations. When we chat, I feel like I’m flying. I just wish that what we talked about could be recorded by passing angels. I really want what we talked about to happen.

We were as close as usual, but today felt different. That closeness made my heart race with an unusual rhythm, but I liked it. In this close distance, I could see his thick eyelashes fluttering up and down as he looked at me and our hands intertwined. As always, my heart melts when his warm black eyes meet mine. It’s strange how I feel embraced when his gaze captures me.

He likes to stroke the back of my hand, saying it calms him. Today, he again said something that left me speechless. As he brushed my long hair, he said: “Imy.”

My silence was first because I was confused. He quickly caught the puzzled expression on my face and smiled. I swear it was so soothing. He pinched my nose afterward and called me adorable. Then he held my hand again and looked deeply into my eyes.

“That’s the name of our daughter. Imy. Isabella and Jeremy. Do you like it?”

I was truly speechless this time. I felt heat in my eyes, as if something was about to explode. Sure enough, I smiled while also crying. He seemed a bit panicked, and it was cute. We hugged, and I told him I loved the name. I just didn’t expect him to say something like that.

“Let’s live together, Isabella.”

Love,  

Isabella  

“WHAT THE FUCK!!! I—” Cassie couldn't contain her overwhelming emotions. “I mean, how can a marriage proposal start with the idea of naming a daughter?” She picked up Rosy, who was standing beside her in confusion. “Rosyyyyyyyyyy, when you want to get married one day, invite him like this, okay?”

Rosy’s response was nothing short of a high-pitched meow and a wriggling body, wanting to be freed from Cassie's embrace. Chuckling softly, Cassie released Rosy so she could read the next page. “I’m totally swept away into your era, Isabella.” 

June 22, 1939  

I’m confused about how to tell Papa and Mama about Jeremy. I know exactly what Papa will do. We won’t be allowed to get married. Mama? She’s just like me—she doesn’t dare to go against Papa. Should I run away from home?

I will talk to Mama first tomorrow and ask her to keep this a secret. I’m sure she can help me talk to Papa someday.

Love,  

Isabella  

“Okay, this is too much of a cliffhanger!” Cassie quickly flipped to the next page, hoping Isabella wouldn’t leave the previous story unresolved. “...June 24. OH THANK GOD!” Cassie exclaimed in delight. 

She could hardly contain her excitement as she prepared to dive back into Isabella’s world and see how she navigated this crucial moment with her parents.

June 24, 1939 

I hate him. I hate Papa. I haven’t even told him about Jeremy yet. Does he think I want to marry the son of Uncle Dan just because he’s planned this out so carefully that Mama knows too? And……I have to hear it from Mama?

Today, I decided to tell Papa directly that I already have Jeremy. I showed my disapproval in front of him for the first time—I won’t back down and accept whatever he’s arranged for me. I feel like I have a choice in my life too. Enough is enough! Papa has controlled when I should study, who I can be friends with, when I can go out to play, and now he’s even arranging my husband for me. This time, I won’t let him take control.

As I expected, Papa slapped me. Even so, I tried again to explain my rights, hoping this hard man would soften for his daughter. But no. Papa wouldn’t relent. He insisted that I must marry his choice or he would find Jeremy.

I couldn’t think, so I ran to the field. This is where I’m writing this. In the place where my story and Jeremy’s live beautifully. Jeremy isn’t here because he has gone home, and he usually studies at this time. I don’t want Jeremy to know about this and make him worry. He’s already stressed about the rumors that his family will move away. Maybe that’s why he asked me to live with him, so I could go wherever he goes. I’ve actually wanted to go with him ever since I realized I liked him.

Jeremy is the first person who let me dream. I can tell him all my wishes, and he never lets me down. I fly like a butterfly, and he doesn’t catch me in a net. He watches me fly and makes sure I’m soaring to beautiful places. I’m happy with Jeremy. I won’t let Papa’s hand fall upon him.

This picture may have been taken with Papa’s camera, but this photo is mine, and it will always be mine.

Love,  

Isabella

Cassie furrowed her brow as she read the last sentence. She hadn’t found any pictures in this diary. She had rummaged through the pile of envelopes and the contents of the cardboard box, but not a single picture was tucked away or had fallen out. “Has the picture gone missing?”

1939, July 1

What should I do? Should I let him go? Do I have the strength to hold him back? Or do I have the strength to leave Papa and Mama and go with him? I wish I could.

I’m having difficulty writing this part because the paper is wet from my tears. I don’t understand. I just don’t understand. Our relationship has been fine all this time. Does his family not like me when Jeremy told them about me? Does Jeremy actually not like me? I’m not sure. I know his gaze hasn’t changed. I know his grip is always warm. I know he cried too this afternoon. 

It turns out the rumors are not just rumors. Tomorrow, Jeremy's family will move to another city that’s quite far away. He said Jeremy would go back to his grandfather's hometown. I asked him, and he said he would be educated there. Then I asked again if I could go with him. I also asked about marriage and our relationship.

He kissed my forehead deeply. I could feel his tears on my forehead. After that, he held me to his chest, gently stroking the back of my head.
“Isabella, I promise I will come back here. I promise I will find you. I promise to send you letters with my updates. We will get married. Just two years, I promise. Do you remember Imy? We will have her. We will hug and raise her. Imy will be right here, between us. Do you believe me, Isabella?”

How could I not believe him? I believe he will come back to me. I believe Jeremy will come and give me Imy. Honestly, I want to be angry at him for this sudden news, but can I? I always believe in Jeremy; he has never disappointed me.

Jeremy, please stay healthy and come back to me. Until then, I will always miss you.

Love,
Isabella

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! What? Jeremy is leaving?” Cassie exclaimed. “So, these letters belong to….” Cassie seemed to find the answer to the initial ‘J’ on all the envelope letters. “WHOA, I’M GETTING GOOSEBUMPS….Oh my….” Cassie’s fingers slowly reached for an envelope when suddenly Rosy came bouncing toward her, causing the diary on Cassie’s lap to be thrown off, opening to almost the last page.

“ROSY, WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO??!! GOSH.” Cassie exclaimed, then stood up to pick up the diary that had fallen and returned to her original position. She wanted to find the page she had last read, but her gaze stopped at the page that was now open. “What the….”

A picture showed a mother and a baby girl in her embrace. “Is this…” Cassie wanted to guess, but she felt it was better to read the diary’s contents behind the photo first.

1943, August 13 

Today, my baby and I took this photo. I am quite pleased with the result. My daughter looks beautiful and adorable. The ribbon she’s wearing matches her little dress. We bought it yesterday, and she even chose it herself.

I wanted to take a photo together because I want to display it on my dressing table. Perhaps I will pass it down to her when she grows up. I hope this photo can last until she is grown so she can see what she looked like as a baby.

My baby here on earth, showed me what my heart was worth.  

Thank you for being born, baby. May you bloom beautifully. May you soar high. May you always be happy throughout your life.

Happy birthday, Imy. Mama loves you.

Love,
Isabella

“DAMN, Imy was really born. She looks beautiful... and Isabella does too.” Cassie felt her heart warm as she read the diary. Her finger traced the photo, and she felt moved by the image of Imy. She also felt relieved about the arrival of Imy, the baby girl that Isabella and….“Jeremy! I wonder how he’s doing?”

The last page, and Cassie was sure this was the happily ever after version for Jeremy and Isabella. Eagerly, she opened the final page and read it carefully, line by line.

1950, December 24 

I realize that it has been a long time since I last opened this diary. Time has passed quite quickly. The last page before this entry was my story about Imy. Now, she is all grown up. She has truly blossomed into the most beautiful flower in my garden. She is cheerful and adorable. She is kind, warm, and gentle. Her smile is sweet, her eye curves are lovely, and her long hair is thick. She is beautiful.

I just left a kiss on her temple to send her into a beautiful dream. After that, I returned to my room and wrote this final page. There is so much I want to pour out here, but it seems it will never be enough. So, I will just write about what I feel right now.

December 24, nine years ago, was the day I had been waiting for. I knew that day would be the happiest day of my life. Finally, I could touch, embrace, and kiss the one I love most. The half of my soul, the owner of my heart, Jeremy. He is coming home to me. He will meet me. He wrote it in the last letter he sent. With a feeling of happiness, I ran to the field where we first met. He will meet me there.

I sat on the swing and waited for him. My mind was already imagining how we would embrace and kiss, releasing the longing that we had kept for two long years, only channeled through letters. My smile widened as I imagined Jeremy's smile and those warm eyes. I was lost in thought until a voice entered my ears. A voice I hadn't heard in the last two years until today. A voice that always echoed in my mind, a voice that was the support of my life when I had nothing but the owner of this voice. My Jeremy's voice.

He called my name enthusiastically. I could even see his bright face from afar. That smile, oh, the smile I had always been waiting for. I decided to run toward him, and I saw him quicken his steps in my direction. Smiling, he ran from the end of the street over there. I shouted his name, so he would know how much I missed him. My heart raced like that day, the day Jeremy told me he liked me. My eyes were glued to Jeremy’s figure, almost within reach after all this time. I never thought that Jeremy would ever disappear again from my sight after this.

Not until Jeremy truly disappeared from my sight. I felt like time had stopped, and my legs were also invited by time to stop moving. Jeremy, he stopped moving too. The car in front of me... and next to Jeremy's body... also stopped moving. The only thing that didn’t stop moving in that moment was the red liquid from the back of Jeremy's head.

I stood still for a moment. I felt my soul being forcibly pulled away. I could have collapsed because my body was empty. However, in my heart and soul was Jeremy, so I could still run to embrace his limp body lying on the road and cup the back of his head just as he always cupped the back of mine and leaned it against his chest—I wanted to stop his bleeding.

I remember clearly how my whole body shook violently. I remember how my eyes couldn’t stop looking at him, who was already weak. I remember how I urged him to keep looking at me and listen to all the words that could reassure him. I knew he was in pain. I knew he might not survive, and I was sure he realized that too. I knew I was hurting him by telling him to stay conscious, but that’s all that I could do. Until Jeremy finally touched my palm that was resting on his cheek.

My heart ached so much seeing Jeremy's powerless palm. With all the strength he still had left, Jeremy's palm opened, and a fabric bracelet tied at both ends to a small piece of wood engraved with the name ‘Jeremy’ landed in my palm. I glanced at the bracelet for a moment and then looked back at Jeremy. He smiled serenely, just like usual. His glassy eyes gazed at me with the tenderness he truly possessed.

I knew Jeremy was enduring excruciating pain. I realized my embrace couldn’t alleviate the suffering in his body at that moment. So, I gently arranged the strands of his black hair that I always loved and pressed a deep kiss to his forehead before moving to his soft lips—hoping Jeremy would know just how much I loved him, and that I would always love him until the end of my life. I could feel his trembling lips draw in. Moments after I released my kiss, those dark eyes dimmed. Their light could no longer shine because the passage had been closed off. The fingers from that soft palm no longer caressed my skin. His breath was no more. That odd boy fell asleep. He slept in my embrace. My Jeremy, he slept and would never wake up again.

My heart is extremely painful every time this memory resurfaces. How my youth came to an end just like that. How I could no longer feel happiness. How my soul felt torn away while my body remained. I lost my way. I felt like my mind had stopped working. I felt like I was no longer myself. I am still me because Papa and Mama are behind me. I lost half my soul, the owner of my heart. A loss that will never be reclaimed no matter how long it takes.

Marriage remained unavoidable. I followed Papa's wishes, yet I was never truly happy with my life. Jeremy was gone, so what else was there for me to wait for in this world?

Until a life entered my body; a life that gradually grew larger and finally stood beside me until now. It came at a time when I could have chosen to leave and search for Jeremy. When I first heard her cry and held her in my arms, and then met her sparkling eyes, I was reminded of the light from the eyes I had always longed for.

Imy, thank you for being here and saving me. Even though I didn't get you from Jeremy, your name is his gift, and the sparkle in your eyes is just like his.

Jeremy, the strange boy who spoke about life like an adult when we first met, the strange boy whose name I didn’t know right away, please be happy and wait for me. You might meet me first later. But don't worry, while we wait for Imy, I will tell you all about her—so that when you meet Imy, you won’t be confused. Imy is a cheerful child; she will easily blend in with you, you strange boy! So, see you later, okay?

Thank you for my beloved book. Until we meet again, my friend.

Love,
Isabella

Cassie wouldn't let anyone see her face in this state. It was wet, and her nose was running thickly. Even now, she was still wiping her face of any fluids. “I... Isa... Isabella, I... I'm so sad...” she said between sobs. She felt she wouldn't be able to read the letters she initially wanted to read because it would feel different now. Finally, Cassie decided to tidy everything up into the box and planned to take it downstairs to ask her grandmother.

As Cassie stood up, Rosy approached her with something in her mouth. Seeing this, Cassie crouched down to take it. It turned out to be a picture of a man in full riding gear, sitting proudly on a brown horse and smiling sweetly at the photographer. Cassie's eyes widened. “Jeremy?” she exclaimed, then smiled and ruffled the top of Rosy’s head. “Where did you get this?”

Rosy didn’t respond; she just sat there, already tired from roaming around the attic. Cassie chuckled at that. Her hand reflexively flipped the picture over, and there was a short note written on the back.

Jeremy. Oh, the name of yours. 

My Jemy, do you know that I’ll never obey Papa after you come? 

He caged me and you released me. 

Now let the love bloom just like the roses in the garden. Let our souls meet and marry. Let our love become eternity, J. 

Love,

Isabella

Cassie slipped the photo into the diary and quickly picked up Rosy, carrying the not-too-heavy box downstairs. Her footsteps were quick, and she reached the bottom floor in no time. Her hurried presence caught the attention of the elderly woman, who was still seriously focused on her sewing.

“Cassie, why are you in such a hurry?” her grandmother asked, looking at what Cassie was carrying from above. “Oh, what do you have there?”

Cassie walked over to her grandmother's side and sat down on the floor. “Granny, I found a diary and letters that are really old, and they all belong to Isabella and Jeremy,” Cassie said, successfully stopping her grandmother's sewing activity. Her grandmother’s gaze shifted toward Cassie. “Do you know them?” Cassie continued.

The grandmother didn't answer right away. After a moment, she smiled. “I do know them,” she replied calmly. “I've wanted to tell this story for a long time, but there never seemed to be the right time until you discovered it today.” Cassie felt as though she had uncovered a family secret. “Isabella and Jeremy is a story that was told to me when I was a child. They are like a fairy tale, but they are real. They made me believe that someone can love and be loved truly.”

Cassie fell silent, focusing on her grandmother's words. She nodded slightly before asking one thing. “So, who is Imy, Granny?”

Hearing that, her grandmother let out a small laugh. She continued with her sewing, which was apparently almost finished, and when she completed it, she showed Cassie the result, making her mouth drop open in amazement.

“Jerolyne Imy Danver, that’s my full name.”

The End.