I pushed open the door, and tears started to roll down my face.
I seldom cried. When Wu Miao and mother were still alive, they never saw me crying.
With two women behind me and an uncertain future facing our household, I had to be strong as a man. I had to work hard to let them and myself have a good life.
The room was very bright, with the sun rays refracting into a rainbow of colors when they hit the window. She was still wearing that shirt, and her face still looked pretty; she had always cared about her appearance. Sitting in front of the desk, she was reading one of Tan Jiaos novels. When she saw me, she immediately tossed it aside and said, Brother, its morning, and Ive completed all my homework.
I never knew where she hid them, her stash of Tan Jiaos novels. She was always good at hiding stuff, a smart girl.
Yet, on the 5th of August, she was unable to avoid that person?
My memory of her, the image that had been seared into my brain, was the unrecognisable bucket of flesh that had been stored in a freezer.
I walked over to her.
Probably because my expression was too scary, Wu Miao gradually became frightened. Before she could run away though, I already had her in my arms.
Wu Miao, my dear sister.
Tears were rolling down my face. Am I holding her too tightly?
Soon, Wu Miao started panicking. She struggled and held up my head and asked, Brother, whats wrong? What happened? I could not respond. When I saw her pretty face, I smiled again. Seeing this, Wu Miao started to cry as well and said, Brother, dont be like that. Stop crying!
After hugging her for quite some time, my heart finally calmed down. A sense of confidence and strength ran through my veins, and I knew what I needed to do next. It was clear to me that this was a gift from God, and I had to cherish it. I took out my phone and called my mother.
When I heard my mothers gentle and caring voice, I began to cry again. Wu Miao was shocked and could only stare at the rarely emotional me. Mother felt that something was wrong as well and asked, Ah Yu, is something wrong? Why do you sound off? Did you catch a cold? I never liked to worry her, but every time I thought of her now would make me remember her cold, drowned corpse. I took a deep breath and suppressed the wave of pain I was feeling in my heart. Im fine, mother. Were having a good time. Mom, take care of your health. Everything will be great.
My mother chuckled.
After ending the call, I gazed at Wu Miaos warm and worried eyes. A smile spread across my face again, and I went in for another hug. However, I was gentler this time.
Wu Miao, play all you want from now on. If you want to read novels, read novels. Do whatever you want. Im here, so everything will be fine.
She fell silent for a moment before she said, Are are you testing my will? I wont fall for it! No! I guarantee you that Ill work hard and study hard!
I saw the crafty look in her eyes and could not help but smile again. I did not want to let her go.
At this moment, Tan Jiao appeared.
I raised my head to find a visibly pale-faced Tan Jiao.
I immediately knew she had been shocked.
I recalled what happened last nightperhaps not last night anymorewhen we sat in that bamboo tent. I had my head down, smoking a cigarette while she sniffled slightly and said, Since this is how it is, then you dont have to send me back. Lets end it here.