the crash of a large tree, as it was uprooted and flung to the ground, penetrated to my room.
Next morning, as I rose and looked out, I could scarcely recognise the long familiar scenes. All the old landmarks were gone, broken or washed away. Many houses had fallen, many lives were lost. But the havoc outside was nothing to the havoc in my heart. For that day I lost all.
Since then I have not set eyes upon you. I have not given up waiting. I want to tell you everything before I go. Perhaps if I am not fortunate enough, this letter will tell you. I want once more to see your face, the smile kindle in your eyes; and I want myself to laugh once again from the heart as I used to. Then I shall die content, with the memory of this last meeting blooming like a white lotus in the sea of tears which I called my life. But I wonder, will so much be granted to me, who have been denied all from my birth?"
