Lin Xinlan’s home had a yard, separated by a wall and a wooden gate. Standing before the gate, she hesitated for a moment, then gently pushed it open.
Her first sight was of a little boy leaning against the living room door, sitting on a small stool.
He watched the entrance with his large, dark eyes, his face clearly expressing anticipation.
Hearing the gate being pushed open, his ears perked up sharply, and his little body straightened instantly as he steadied himself against the wall and asked eagerly with his childish voice, "Who’s there? Who are you?"
Lin Xinlan stared at his thin little figure, at the eagerness on his face and the expectancy in his tone, and couldn’t help it, she cried.
Wiping away her tears, she walked into the yard and slowly approached him.
The little boy tilted his head slightly to one side, listening with his ears pricked up, and asked tentatively, "Are you Mommy?"
Wary of scaring him, Xinlan hurriedly placed her things on the ground and ran towards him with open arms, "Xiaocong, Mommy’s back!"
Xiaocong suddenly broke into a smile. He hadn’t even started to call out ’Mommy’ when Lin Xinlan scooped him up into her arms.
"Mommy, are you really Mommy?!" he struggled, stretching out his arms and groping blindly over her body.
Lin Xinlan squatted down, placed his hands on her face, and he touched it, becoming even more joyful, laughing foolishly non-stop.
"Mommy, you’re back, aren’t you?" he asked uncertainly.
Lin Xinlan, with tears in her eyes, nodded vigorously, "Yes, Mommy’s back, Mommy came back to see you."
She held him, showering his cheeks with kisses.
Xiaocong giggled and wriggled, but his thin arms remained wrapped around her neck, not letting go.
"Baby, give Mommy a kiss," she pleaded with a smile, bringing her face close to his.
Xiaocong blushed shyly but still pecked her on the face, leaving a bit of drool on her skin. However, she didn’t mind at all, and just as she was about to pull away, he couldn’t resist and kissed her again.
Lin Xinlan was even happier, embracing him and smothering him with kisses before she could bear to let him go.
"Xiaocong, where’s Grandma?" Only then did she notice it seemed like he was the only one at home.
No sooner had she spoken than Lin’s mother ran out from the kitchen, an apron around her waist and a spatula in her hand.
Upon seeing her, Lin’s mother broke into a wide smile, "Xinlan’s back."
"Mom, I’m back." Lin Xinlan put down the child and hugged her mother, her eyes reddening, "Mom, you’ve worked hard, thank you for taking care of Xiaocong for me all this time."
Lin’s mother, unused to such emotional scenes, laughed heartily, "It’s good that you’re back. You must be tired, go rest for a bit. I’ve made a lot of dishes; dinner will be ready soon."
"Mom, let me help you."
Xiaocong also chimed in right away, "Grandma, let me help you too."
Lin’s mother’s smile grew even brighter, and she forcefully pushed Lin Xinlan away, insisting she not enter the kitchen, "That’s enough, I don’t need your help. You all go rest; we can eat soon."
"Be good and go on," Lin’s mother pushed her once more, leaving her no choice but to smile and pick up the belongings left in the yard.
Xiaocong, listening attentively to her movements, followed her into the living room.
Sitting on the sofa, Lin Xinlan laid out everything she had bought on the table, picked up her child, and sat him on her lap.
"Xiaocong, Mommy bought you lots of delicious treats and fun toys. And there’s your favorite ice cream too."