The last cup of bittersweet coffee...

(NLĐO) - This cup of coffee, perhaps, is imbued with the bitter taste of life, of the long, agonizing days of waiting for strength from my father, who bravely fought against his illness.

That name gently touched my heart, stirring up a bitter lump in my throat. This cup of coffee, perhaps, is imbued with the bitterness of life, of the long, agonizing days of waiting for strength from my father, who bravely fought his illness. But deep within, there remains the sweet aftertaste of fatherly love, of those final peaceful moments together.

The story of my father is not just about physical pain, but also an epic tale of resilience and optimism until his dying moments. That cup of coffee is now an eternal symbol of the love and unwavering will of my great father. It is a poignant memory, both sorrowful and proud, forever etched in my mind the image of the man who passed through my life.

The bitter taste in my throat is perhaps the lingering echo of anxiety and helplessness as I watched my father weaken and eventually pass away in my arms. But the fleeting sweetness is the sweetness of love, of cherishing every moment spent together. It's the sweetness of his warm words of advice, of the affectionate gaze he gave me. These bitter and sweet tastes blend together, creating a unique flavor, deeply etched in my heart.

Whenever I think of this cup of coffee, I not only remember its familiar aroma but also feel a mix of emotions—heartbreak and boundless gratitude. This flavor, my father left behind, and even in the harshest circumstances, his optimistic spirit and unwavering will shone brightly like a lighthouse.

Life is inherently unpredictable, so loved ones are the most precious gift. Cherish every moment with them, listen, share, and love wholeheartedly. Those who have passed away don't truly leave us; they live on in our hearts and in the lessons they left behind. I believe that boundless love will forever be a warm flame, guiding us on our future paths.

( Entry for the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest, part of the 3rd "Celebrating Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" program, 2025, organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper).

Rules of the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest. Graphic: CHI PHAN

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ly-ca-phe-dang-ngot-cuoi-cung-196250424112437967.htm