Jen stood on the bridge, hands resting on the rail, admiring the beauty surrounding her. Gentle breezes caressed the leafy
bamboo trees. Below her mist shrouded the river she knew lay many feet beneath. Sighing lightly, she appreciated the last few
moments of her life with a solemn elegance. Standing behind her, Lo watched apprehensively. "Make a wish, Lo," she
whispered. Diving over the rail
gracefully, the mist enveloped her completely.
the significance of her sacrifice. "Jen…" he whispered, fist tightening imperceptibly as he watched all that he had ever loved
disappear before his eyes.
Jen closed her eyes as the mist swathed her. Spreading her arms like a bird, she felt all external influences separate from
her consciousness. Her expression never faltered, her lips never trembled, for she understood her duty. At her hands lay the
destruction of Shu Lien's only love. She had loved Shu Lien like a sister, despite their differences. Shu Lien had been kind to
her, and although she had responded with betrayal and spite, Jen had been thankful for her benevolence. Now, falling through
the swirling mist, Jen reflected on the unspoken love between Shu Lien and Li Mu Bai. How faithful had they had remained to
Mu Bai's brother. And though admiring their loyalty, she grieved for their lost love. They would never know the joy of loving
one another. Never would they share moonlit walks or warm embraces. A tear trickled down Jen's cheek. Lo. Oh how she
loved him. But their love was never meant to be. Her father would never allow it, but more importantly, she herself could not
allow it. After destroying any chance Shu Lien might have had at love, she could not bear to live on with Lo. Seeing him only
made her agonize over what Shu Lien had lost, and how it had been her fault. No, it was better this way. "I love you, Lo," she
whispered. And then there was nothing.
