Peggy Punchard was an elderly woman who had it all.

Once a rising starlet in the British comedy scene, she had achieved fame, fortune, and adoration from fans by the mere age of 20 in the U.K. Having hosted her own television shows, headlined sold-out stand-up tours, and even landed a few film roles.

One would not guess that before all of this, she didn't have a stable childhood.

This is probably the reason why behind the scenes her personal life, it was far from perfect.

Growing up, her childhood was marked by constant change and upheaval. Her parents constantly fought, and she often found herself caught in the middle. Her father's military career meant that the family moved frequently, making it difficult for Peggy to form lasting friendships or establish a sense of stability. Each time they moved, Peggy was forced to adjust to a new school, new friends, and a new way of life.

So by the time she turned 7 and moved to Japan which was, fortunately, the last move, she didn't really have many friends.

And it didn't help that she was the only Caucasian in the entire school. Her experiences were further complicated because she was the only Caucasian student in her school when her family moved to Japan when she was seven years old. Peggy struggled to adjust to a new culture and language, which only served to exacerbate her feelings of isolation.

Feeling lonely and isolated, her only solace was to make kids her age laugh.

But then all of that changed when she started watching Mr Bean.

One of the most memorable episodes of Mr Bean that Peggy watched was the one where he goes to the beach.

In this episode, Mr Bean is excited to spend a day at the seaside, but things quickly go awry when he discovers that he has forgotten his swimming trunks. He tries to improvise by cutting up his underwear to make a makeshift pair of trunks, but this only leads to more mishaps and embarrassment.

Peggy was struck by how Mr Bean's physical comedy skills and facial expressions were able to convey so much humour without any dialogue. She found herself laughing out loud at his antics, and she was amazed by how he was able to turn a simple trip to the beach into a hilarious and unforgettable experience.

This episode later inspired her and make it her own, using her physical comedy skills and impressions to make her classmates laugh.

When she was 7, she did an impression on their strict math teacher.

The teacher was known for his stern demeanour and no-nonsense attitude, but Peggy saw the humour in his quirks and decided to use them for her own entertainment. She would stand at the front of the classroom, mimicking the teacher's voice and mannerisms, and her classmates would roar with laughter.

Peggy's impression was so spot-on that even the teacher himself couldn't help but crack a smile. He was impressed by Peggy's ability to find humour in his teaching style, and he encouraged her to keep performing and making people laugh.

This skit became a regular feature in Peggy's comedy routine, and she would perform it at talent shows and festivals throughout her school years. It was a reminder that even in the most serious and mundane situations, there was always room for laughter and joy.

Peggy's high school days were a continuation of her love for comedy and performance. She continued to use her talent to make others laugh, and she became a popular figure among her classmates.

In addition to performing at school talent shows and events, Peggy started to participate in local comedy clubs and open mic nights. She found that the more she performed, the more confident she became in her abilities. She also started to develop a signature style that incorporated physical comedy, impressions, and witty one-liners.

It was during her high school years that Peggy decided to pursue comedy as a career. She knew it would be a difficult path, but she was determined to make it work. She started to take acting classes and attended workshops to hone her skills. She also started to write her own material, drawing inspiration from her own experiences and observations.

Peggy's high school days were filled with both challenges and triumphs, but through it all, she remained committed to her passion for comedy.

Her parents were initially hesitant about her pursuing a career in comedy. They wanted her to have a more stable and traditional career path, and they were worried about the financial and social risks associated with the entertainment industry. However, as Peggy started to gain more success and recognition, her parents became more supportive of her dreams. They attended her shows and cheered her on from the sidelines, and they were proud of her achievements.

Despite their initial reservations, Peggy's parents realized that their daughter had a natural talent for comedy and that she was truly passionate about pursuing it. They recognized that her career was not just a fleeting interest but a lifelong calling, and they were happy to support her in any way they could.

Whenever she was on stage, performing in front of a crowd, she felt like she belonged. The older she got, the more success grew. Yet, despite her popularity and success in the entertainment industry, Peggy still struggled with feelings of loneliness and isolation throughout her life.

Part of this was due to her unconventional upbringing, which made it difficult for her to form lasting friendships and establish a sense of belonging. Additionally, the nature of comedy and entertainment can be isolating at times, as performers often spend long hours rehearsing and preparing for shows. Peggy also faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry, which could make her feel like an outsider at times.

Despite these challenges, Peggy remained committed to her craft and continued to find ways to connect with others. She sought out community and support within the entertainment industry, forming friendships with fellow comedians and performers by the time she turned 17. She also used her comedy as a way to connect with audiences and bring joy and laughter to others, which helped her feel more connected to the world around her.

The only thing she lacks was love.

But then one day, when she turned 18, things change for her.

...........................................

Peggy met a young man named Takashi, a college boy who was working at a local restaurant where Peggy and some of her comedian friends often went to eat after shows. The two struck up a conversation one evening, and Peggy was immediately drawn to Takashi's kind and gentle nature. They began dating soon after, and Peggy found herself falling deeply in love.

For the first time in her life, Peggy felt like she had found someone who truly understood and accepted her. Takashi was patient and supportive of her career, and he encouraged her to pursue her dreams and ambitions. He also helped Peggy connect more deeply with Japanese culture and language, which gave her a newfound sense of belonging and connection. In a way, he was kind, supportive, and genuinely interested in her as a person, not just as a famous comedian.

Despite some initial resistance from her family, who were wary of their daughter dating someone from a different culture and background, Peggy and Takashi's relationship flourished against her parents' wishes. They got married a year later, and Peggy was grateful to have found true love and companionship in the midst of a challenging and often lonely career.

However, the marriage was soon brought to a halt at the age of 20 when Peggy's career began to skyrocket, and she was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the world with her comedy act, even a permanent job offer in the U.K. Takashi, who had his own career and commitments in Japan, was unable to join her on the road, and the distance and time apart put a strain on their relationship.

Peggy, or rather Takashi as she looks back then, did try his best to stay connected with her, but the demands of her career and the constant travel made it difficult for them to stay in touch and maintain a strong connection. Or rather, she was still young, noting that other better-looking men besides Takashi had better behaviour or that sort.

She didn't commit adultery, but the distance and time apart took a toll on their relationship. Peggy found herself growing increasingly distant from Takashi, and she began to feel trapped and suffocated by their marriage. As a result, she ended their marriage on a wimp, and pursue her career without the constraints of a marriage holding her back.

Although Takashi was heartbroken by the breakup, Peggy felt a sense of relief and freedom. She threw herself even more fully into her career, using her experiences and emotions as fuel for her comedy. The divorce went smoothly much to her surprise, he didn't even ask for her money during the divorce settlement and at first, she thought life would be better after it.

Career-wise, it flourished. But the same can't be said for her personal life.

...............................................

After the divorce, Peggy found herself struggling to form lasting and meaningful relationships.

In the beginning, it wasn't too bad. Since she was a young healthy female at that time, Peggy's love life was a series of short-lived flings and casual encounters. She indulged in her newfound freedom, exploring her desires and seeking pleasure wherever she could find it. She revelled in the attention she received from men, enjoying the thrill of seduction and the temporary bliss of emotional feelings.

She encountered men of different ages, backgrounds, and occupations. Some were drawn to her fame and fortune, while others were captivated by her wit and charm. Peggy frequented exclusive parties and social events, where she would mingle with the rich and famous. In a way, she revelled in the attention and the power she held over her admirers.

Yet, amidst the whirlwind of casual encounters, Peggy longed for something more.

As the years wore on, she was hesitant to commit to anyone, fearing that she would end up feeling trapped and suffocated once again.

Even when she ended up remarrying, it was a short-lived union, and Peggy soon found herself back on her own.  Multiple luxurious weddings were thrown, leaving her with a string of ex-husbands and failed relationships. Her two children had grown up with her, and in comparison to most celebrity mothers, the media would say she did the best she could.

But her children were more obsessed with the lavish lifestyle that came with her rather than their own mother. And as the years went by, the laughter that had once come so easily to her began to feel hollow and empty. At some point, she begins to question what is the meaning and purpose of her career and her life. She began to wonder if all the fame, wealth, and success were worth it if it meant sacrificing meaningful relationships and personal fulfilment.

As she entered her 80s, Peggy began to reflect on her life more deeply. For years, she had yearned for a love that would stand the test of time, a love that would fulfil her emotionally, like someone who can treat her equally. She longed for a partner who would truly understand her, accept her flaws, and support her unconditionally. Around such an age, she would've imagined drinking fine wine while on the porch with her husband.

But then here she is, realizing dawned on her that her fame and lifestyle had made it impossible for her to form genuine connections. Contemplating all of this, she felt like her comedic persona had overshadowed her true self, making it difficult for others to see beyond the facade.

Did she want to continue living this way? Let her career overshadow her empty love life?

So when the opportunity arose to retire to Tokyo, where she used to live, she jumped at the chance. She bought a sprawling mansion on the outskirts of the city, with plenty of room for her and her entourage of staff and assistants.

Her children were against the idea obviously, then again, Peggy had always been an independent woman, and the idea of her children trying to control her decisions made her feel suffocated like in her former marriages. Even her own management had been against her moving to Tokyo from London, and she couldn't blame them.

It was a huge change, and at her age, it was not the easiest thing to do.

But she didn't care and went on with it, like the last time she pursued her ambition in London. Don't get her wrong, she loved the theatres, museums, and parks, and the fact that it was a hub for creativity and the arts.

Tokyo however had its own charm, with its vibrant nightlife, bustling streets, and beautiful parks and gardens, a charm that hasn't left her since her youth growing up. Now old, she had always been intrigued by the country's rich history and culture, and she longed to explore it more deeply. She was especially drawn to the food, which she had always found to be incredibly flavorful and unique.

So the decision was made, after all, life is too short to stay in one place and not explore all that the world has to offer.

....................

If one were to drive up the long and winding driveway, one can see the impressive exterior of the mansion come into view. The mansion is grand and imposing, with a classic European architectural style. The exterior of the mansion is made of rich, dark stone, with large, ornate windows that let in plenty of natural light. Ivy climbs the walls, adding a touch of natural beauty to the imposing structure.

The mansion's grounds are expansive and impeccably maintained. There are carefully manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and tall trees that provide ample shade on sunny days. Peggy has also added whimsical touches, such as a decorative fountain and a small pond stocked with koi fish. The mansion is a testament to her success and wealth. It is grand, imposing, and filled with luxury and elegance. Despite its extravagance, however, there is a warmth and comfort to the space that makes it feel like a true home.

In her new life, Peggy was able to slow down and take stock of everything she had been through. She spent her days reading, practising yoga, and exploring the city's many museums and galleries. If she ever miss the stage, she would occasionally do it during the weekends, performing intimate stand-up shows for small audiences of dedicated fans.

There was a sense of peace and contentment that came with her new life in Tokyo. For the first time in a long time, Peggy felt she was exactly where she was meant to be. And even if the pain of the past would always be a part of her, she was finally able to find joy and laughter again, in her own quiet way.

But even as she settled into her new life, Peggy couldn't escape the memories of the past.

Peggy sat in the living room of her luxurious mansion, watching TV absentmindedly. Her mind wandered to thoughts of her ex-husband Takashi, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of regret and longing. No matter how one puts it, Takashi was never far from her thoughts, and she often found herself wondering what might have been if she had made different choices.

.............................

The scene between Takashi and Peggy, when she left him in their marital apartment in Japan, was a heartbreaking moment that etched itself into Peggy's memory. It was a turning point in their relationship, a moment when Peggy made a difficult choice that would shape the course of both their lives.

As Peggy stood in their apartment, her suitcase packed and ready to go, her heart weighed heavy with conflicting emotions. She knew that leaving Takashi would mean sacrificing their relationship, the love they had shared, and the life they had built together. But she also felt a deep longing for something more, a burning desire to pursue her dreams and make a name for herself in the world of comedy.

Takashi, who had always been patient and understanding, looked at Peggy with a mix of disbelief and sadness. He couldn't comprehend why she was choosing her career over their love, why she was willing to walk away from everything they had worked for. Deep down, he knew that Peggy's ambitions were important to her, but he had hoped that their love would be enough to make her stay.

The air in the room was thick with unspoken words and unshed tears. Peggy could see the pain in Takashi's eyes, and it tore at her heart. She wanted to explain herself, to make him understand that it wasn't a lack of love for him but rather a burning passion within her that she couldn't ignore. But the words caught in her throat, and she knew that anything she said would only deepen the wounds.

Takashi reached out, his hand trembling, as if trying to hold onto a love slipping away. Peggy's eyes met his, filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. She knew that staying would mean a life of regret and unfulfilled dreams while leaving meant the uncertainty of a future without him.

At that moment, Peggy made a choice that would change the course of her life forever. She took a step back, pulling away from Takashi's touch, and with tears streaming down her face, she whispered a choked apology. She turned towards the door, the weight of her decision heavy on her shoulders, and walked away from the life they had built together.

As Peggy closed the door behind her, the silence of the apartment echoed the void that had been left behind. Both she and Takashi were left to grapple with the aftermath of that painful scene, wondering if they had made the right choices.

...............................

In the years that followed, the memories of that scene haunted Peggy.

It didn't matter which man she ended up with, it always brought her back to that moment when she walked away from Takashi. No matter how much time had passed, the memories of their love and the pain of their separation remained etched in her heart.

The comedian always found herself constantly questioning her decision, wondering if she had made the right choice. In her quiet moments of reflection, she would replay that scene in her mind, analyzing every word spoken and every emotion felt. The what-ifs and the could-have-beens consumed her thoughts, leaving her with a lingering sense of regret.

Even as she pursued her career and found success, Peggy couldn't shake off the memories of her past love. Each new relationship she entered into, she would catch herself making comparisons, searching for the same depth of connection and understanding she had shared with Takashi. But no matter how much she tried, no one could ever measure up to the love they had once shared.

There were times Peggy can't help but think of every ex-husband's last words before leaving her alone in the mansion.

All of them had always said she had unrealistic expectations, constantly comparing them to an ex. Not one of them knew about the existence of Takashi as her first ex-husband, but they always felt inferior to an idealized version of a partner she had created in her mind. Peggy had unknowingly set herself up for disappointment by constantly measuring her ex-husbands against the memories of her time with Takashi.

Each relationship began with hope and excitement, but as time passed, Peggy would inevitably find herself drawing comparisons. She would recall the moments of tenderness, understanding, and support she had experienced with Takashi and unconsciously hold her subsequent partners to the same standard.

Her ex-husbands, unaware of the true source of her comparisons, would feel the weight of her unspoken expectations. They would sense her dissatisfaction and frustration, as Peggy inadvertently sought qualities in them that could match the memory of her first love.

Unable to live up to the idealized image in Peggy's mind, they would eventually express their frustrations, leading to those last words before leaving her alone in the mansion. They felt inferior, constantly falling short of an impossible standard that had been set long before they came into Peggy's life.

As Peggy reflected on these patterns, she couldn't help but wonder...why is she so hateful?

She let Takashi go a long time ago, she had no right to bring this up.

.............................

It wasn't till she seek therapy that she realized that her unresolved feelings for Takashi had inadvertently influenced her relationships and caused pain to those who cared for her. She was coddled and spoiled by Takashi, she took it for granted and it ended up costing her everything despite her success.

Peggy had never forgotten her first love, her first ex-husband, and she had always wondered what had become of him. They had been so young when they met, she had just started out in the world of comedy fallen in love quickly, and for a time, they had been inseparable. At some point, she is considering employing a detective to search for the whereabouts of Takashi.

But the scene of her having packed her bags and left without a word made her hesitant.

The longing for him was like a constant ache in her heart, and she couldn't help but wonder if he still thought of her as she did of him.

If she were to admit it herself, she was the one who didn't deserve him.

Unlike Peggy's other ex-husbands who demanded money from her during the divorce settlement, Takashi did not ask for any financial support. Unlike her first ex, the rest of her ex-husbands were wealthy people, but they had the audacity to demand from Peggy financial support during the divorce settlements.

Despite their own wealth and success, Peggy's ex-husbands seemed to view her as nothing more than a source of financial security. Takashi on the other hand was born poor, and during the period that they were divorcing, Peggy was at her peak period when she was making millions of yen per show. And yet, he never asked her to pay monthly alimony or demand a large portion of her assets. This stark contrast in their attitudes towards money highlighted the genuine love and integrity Takashi possessed.

Reflecting on her past relationships, Peggy realized that she had taken Takashi's unconditional love and support for granted. She had become accustomed to being spoiled and coddled by him, without fully appreciating the depth of his kindness and the sacrifices he had made for their relationship.

Her thoughts about Takashi continued to linger in her mind. She wondered if he had moved on if he had found love and happiness with someone else. She wondered if he ever thought about her and if he still remembered their time together.

She wondered if things could have been different if she had been more patient and understanding and if she had put in more effort to maintain their relationship. She thought about reaching out to him, but she didn't know if it was too late or if he would even want to hear from her.

Even during their first date, when she offered to pay for dinner, most men would say a woman shouldn't pay. But Takashi handled it differently by suggesting they both pay half.

As she watched the images flicker across the screen, her thoughts drifted to the past, to the days when she and Takashi had first met. She remembered how he had been patient and kind, how he had supported her career and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

And yet, she had walked away from him without a second thought, choosing her career over love. Now, surrounded by her wealth and success, she couldn't help but wonder if it had all been worth it.

It was a sobering realization for Peggy. Thanks to her success and fame, all of this blinded her to the true essence of love and companionship. She had allowed material wealth and societal expectations to cloud her judgment, leading to a series of failed marriages. It became clear to her that she had been chasing an illusion of happiness, mistaking financial security and external validation for true fulfilment.

And sadly, it had to take several therapy sessions for Peggy's eyes to open and finally see the reality, that the patterns she had unwittingly perpetuated in her relationships were the reason for her empty life.

Peggy's mind was filled with a mix of nostalgia and regret as she sat in the living room of her luxurious mansion, reflecting on her past with Takashi. She couldn't deny the impact he had on her life and the lingering emotions she felt for him. The contrast between her current wealth and success and the choices she made weighed heavily on her.

As Peggy sits on the plush velvet couch in her mansion's living room, her gaze is drawn to the decor surrounding her. The room is themed like Punch and Judy, a classic puppet show that she had loved as a child.

The walls are adorned with colourful murals depicting scenes from the story, with Punch and Judy's characters engaging in their famous antics. The curtains are made of bright, bold patterns, reminiscent of the costumes worn by the puppet characters. Even the furniture is upholstered with fabrics that feature the same bright colours and patterns.

In one corner of the room, there is a wooden stage set up, complete with a red and white striped awning. A collection of vintage Punch and Judy puppets sits on the shelf nearby, their painted faces and colourful clothing adding to the whimsical atmosphere of the room.

As Peggy looks around, she can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to her. She remembers watching the Punch and Judy shows as a child, and how they had inspired her to pursue a career in comedy. The playful and imaginative nature of the show had always resonated with her, and now she had created a living space that reflected that same spirit.

She takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of comfort and joy in the familiar surroundings of her home. The Punch and Judy-themed living room reminds her of the joy and laughter that she had brought to others through her comedy, and how much it had shaped her life. For Peggy, it was more than just a decoration choice - it was a reflection of her passion for comedy and the childlike wonder that she had always carried within her.

At the same time, however, she can't help but realize how hollow and empty her life had become. Her career was still thriving, but she had no one to share it with. Her ex-husbands were long gone, and her children had grown up and rarely visit her. Even if they did, they always demand money.

Peggy feels a pang of sadness as she thinks about the emptiness of her life. She had always thought that success and wealth would bring her happiness, but now she realizes that something was missing. She had chased after fame and fortune for so long that she had forgotten what truly mattered in life.

Even most of her entertainment friends had died of old age, and so did her parents.

Despite the passage of time and her newfound contentment, Peggy couldn't help but wonder what could have been if she had chosen a different path. The memories of their early days together, their shared dreams, and the support Takashi had shown her resurfaced in her mind. She recognized the depth of his character and the sincerity of his feelings, as evidenced by his refusal to seek financial support during their divorce.

Peggy contemplated the idea of hiring a detective to find Takashi, but the memory of abruptly leaving without a word held her back. She feared that her sudden departure might have caused irreparable damage to their connection. The longing she felt for Takashi persisted, making her wonder if he still thought of her as she did of him.

Deep down, Peggy understood that her actions in the past had consequences. She acknowledged her own faults and wondered if her impatience and lack of understanding had led to the demise of their relationship. She questioned if reaching out to him now would be futile or if he would even welcome her back into his life.

Right now, she wonders if she will ever find happiness again. She knows that she had made mistakes in the past, but she can't help but feel a sense of regret for the way she had treated him. He had been the one man who had loved her unconditionally, without any ulterior motives or demands for money.

Peggy sighs, feeling a sense of loneliness wash over her. She picks up the remote and turns on the TV, hoping to distract herself from her thoughts. But as she flips through the channels, she realizes that nothing can truly fill the void in her heart.

As the days dragged on, she wondered if this will be how will be living her days as a retired comedian. The thought of spending her days alone in her mansion, surrounded by the memories of her past, was a daunting one.

....................

Finally, enough was enough.

An argument with one of her children sparked her to do this. It was in this state of contemplation that Peggy realized she needed to confront her feelings and make a decision about her future. Whether she would attempt to reconnect with Takashi or find closure within herself, she knew that she had to come to terms with the past in order to move forward and find true happiness.

Before, Peggy had always thought that her career would provide her with enough financial security to live comfortably in her golden years. But now that she had reached that point in her life, she realized that money wasn't enough to fill the void that had been left behind.

This is why today, she is going to do the biggest thing she has ever done in her entire life.

Peggy's resolve remained steadfast as she prepared herself for the monumental decision she was about to make. The argument with her children had served as a catalyst, pushing her to confront the emptiness she felt despite her career success and financial security.

The elderly woman reminded herself of the reasons behind her choice. She yearned for a life filled with meaning and purpose, where fulfilment stemmed from more than just wealth and fame. The realization that money alone couldn't fill the void within her had been a pivotal moment.

She knelt beside the toilet bowl and waited for it to pass. She was always like this before an important occasion – movie premieres, opening nights, concerts. Every public appearance filled her with this awful, gut-churning fear. And today? Well, she couldn't imagine a more important occasion. No wonder she felt queasy.

As she waited for the nausea to pass, Peggy reminded herself of why she was doing this. She was tired of feeling empty and unfulfilled. She wanted to live a life that was meaningful and purposeful, not just one that revolved around money and fame.

It was a bold move, but it felt liberating after 40 years of guilt.

It wasn't easy at first, even when her manager and lawyer got word of this, they were stunned. Unlike her children who were angry and disappointed towards her supposed move, the manager and lawyer were supportive of her. Despite the backlash, Peggy knew that she had made the right decision.

She didn't want to spend the rest of her life feeling unfulfilled and unhappy. She had achieved the dreams she had wanted, so why shouldn't she live life on her own terms? For the first time in a long time, she felt free - free from the expectations of others, free from the guilt of not doing enough.

Things got bad that the children left angry voicemails, it piled up as days go by, but she didn't care. Their opinions don't dictate her decisions anymore. She had to focus on herself and what she wanted out of life, so under the advice of her manager, she deleted the voicemails without listening to them and turned off her phone.

In addition to that, the expectation of that long-awaited meeting had finally arrived today.

She is meeting that person, after 40 years.

Peggy took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach. She knew this was a huge risk, but she had to take it.

It was difficult to get someone trustworthy to look for him, keep in mind that she is still a famous celebrity after all in the U.K, despite now that she is living in Japan. She can't really say everything is smooth sailing.

But with the help of her lawyer, they managed to find that person.

She had rehearsed in her mind what she wanted to say, how she was going to apologize and all of that, but now that the moment was finally here, she couldn't find the words. Her children were very against this, but she didn't care anymore. For years, she had lived for them and her ex-husbands, and what did she get in return? Nothing but demands money and attention.

With a determined look on her face, she was also sick with nerves.

With the support of her therapist, she decided to write a heartfelt letter, expressing her remorse, gratitude, and a genuine desire for healing.

In the letter, Peggy poured out her feelings, acknowledging the mistakes she had made and the pain she had caused. She apologized for taking their love for granted and for the choices she had made. She expressed her admiration for his character and the impact he had on her life.

Of course, there was that same anxiety that she felt that Takashi might never read the letter or respond to it, but the act of expressing her sincere remorse was necessary for her own personal growth and healing. Days turned into weeks, and Peggy anxiously awaited any response.

The silence weighed heavily on her, as doubts and insecurities crept into her mind. She questioned whether her words had reached him or if he had chosen to ignore her plea for forgiveness.

Yet, as time went on, Peggy began to realize that the act of writing the letter itself had already served its purpose.

That person agreed to meet up with her. They had exchanged letters, and that person kept the same handwriting as she remembered in the form of letters. Although texting exists nowadays, she and that person were a too old school for that, so letters it is. At first, the lawyer knew that it wouldn't be easy. It had been decades since, and she had no idea where that person could be. But she was determined to try, even if it meant travelling across the world.

She has after all all the time in the world plus money with her.

After weeks of researching, scouring social media and public records, and reaching out to old acquaintances who might have had any information later, all of that effort finally paid off.

Her heart racing with anticipation, the person wrote back and responded they did watch her performances on live TV. At first, they wrote back and forth and fell into the same comfortable rhythm.

Then today is finally about to happen.

They are meeting face to face in a long time.

The worst of it was over now, she thought: the nausea was subsiding at last. Putting both palms on the rim of the toilet, she began to push herself up. For many months, neither of them brought up the thought of meeting each other. The responder of the letter was as always: Thoughtful and attentive to her.

But eventually, Peggy couldn't resist the urge to see this person. It has been a long time coming, and it's time they meet.

Even so, her heart was pounding with excitement and nerves. What if this person didn't forgive her? What if they were still angry? And above all, what does that person look like now? It has been ages since she last saw that person.

She didn't hear the soft tread of feet behind her, or see anyone approach. Only when a hand grasped her head and forced it down did she realize that something was terrifyingly wrong.......