From a letter that is buried with Ove’s body:
Dear Sonja,
I’m sorry I didn’t follow you sooner. After I was told to retire, I didn’t know what else to do with myself, but I was also afraid you would be upset that I was unemployed. Deep down, I knew you wouldn’t because I knew you, and you wouldn’t hate me even if I was useless. But I’m a man of principle, Sonja. I pride myself on being helpful.
When Parvaneh and Patrick moved in across the road from our house with all their clumsiness, I started to doubt if I should leave them. I knew you would want me to help them. Not just so I could be helpful but simply because that was the type of woman you were, kind and selfless, and that was the man you wanted me to be. I hope I had made you proud by staying, and I wish you would forgive me for making you wait a little longer.
I will tell you all about them when I get there, I promise. I cannot wait to hear you laugh at all the shenanigans they had put me through. I’ll tell you about their kids too and how they called me “granddad.” My love, how I wish you were there with me so they could call you “grandma.” You know the kids are very loud, often stubborn and mischievous, but they felt like they were ours, you know? If only you were here, we all could’ve been the family that we always wanted to have. Imperfect and messy, but well-loved. We could’ve proved to Rune that family is worth fighting for... I’m sorry, even on my death bed, I want to curse him for buying his stupid BMW.
There are so many more names, so many more stories that I can’t fit into this letter, so you will have to wait for them. You know I never write long letters. And I have only one more thing to say. You are the first, last, and only thing I am capable of being selfish at. I want nothing more but to spend the rest of my time in eternity with you. I cannot wait to close my eyes tonight and wake up to the sight of you again. Wait for me, Sonja. Just one more night apart.
Yours forever,
Ove.
Author’s note: This letter is merely fictional and does not exist anywhere in the original text.
Edited by: Hana Visabella
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