Dear Er Lan,

Bing left the saddest message to my cell phone. It was devastating shock that could not be absorbed. Trembled and tears rolling down cheeks, I wished this was just a nightmare and nothing had happened when I woke up, but you will never wake up again…

I thought to call you a few days again, but was too busy and then put it aside. This now becomes unaccomplished call, do you know how regretful I feel. Your bright smile, your bell-crispy voice, your sunny mood, your energetic walking paces, your graceful handwriting, everything of you is so vivid and fresh in my mind. Er Lan, you were kind, beautiful, elegant, intelligent, and always ready to help others. I could not forget, in 1987, you just got married and had a cozy room in west Beijing suburb, at the time, I was newly married too and waiting for my Danish visa in Beijing, you were so considerate to invite my husband and me stay in your new home, and you slept in office. I could not forgot, we were best ballroom dancing partners when campus Saturday dancing parties were popular in early 1980’s. Everything is just like yesterday. Er Lan, your abrupt leaving is tremendous loss in my life and unacceptable loss of our 408. It will take me very long to face this reality. I would just like to believe you are now living in another time-space zone of the universe, and wish our paths would cross again in future.

May Er Lan live in our hearts for ever!

Ming