Stepping outside, I saw many fallen leaves on the paths of the neighborhood, undoubtedly blown down by the strong winds of the previous night. Strong winds are often followed by clear skies. At this moment, the sun was slowly rising from the shores of Erhai Lake, casting a vibrant red glow on both the clouds and the lake. The neighborhood was unusually quiet, but birdsong occasionally broke the silence, bringing a lively energy to the morning.

In my panic, I quickly interpreted this scene as a good omen.

...

The porridge shop is a long-established business, and people in the neighborhood who get up early for work usually come here to buy breakfast. So when I arrived, there was already a queue, and I joined the people behind them...

Just as it was almost my turn, Lu Jia called me, saying that her mother had cooked another nourishing porridge for Lao Mi, and she wanted me to pick her up so we could go to the hospital together.

Emotionally, I didn't want to trouble her like that, but she always finished getting things done before calling me, so I had no choice but to accept.

I gave up my spot, which surprised the people behind me, since they had been waiting in line for so long.

...

On my way back to get my car keys, Yang Sisi came looking for me. We met in the hallway. She was different today. Usually, she likes to wear a tank top with a jacket or sportswear, which makes her look youthful and lively, but lacks a bit of composure. Today, she was dressed in a more professional outfit, and her shirt even had a bow tie.

She blocked my way and said to me, "Was everything Lu Jia said yesterday true?"

"I don't know what she said to you."

After a moment of silence, Yang Sisi said to me in a low voice, "She said your dad might have a serious illness... You're waiting for the test results, which is why you were in such a bad mood yesterday."

I nodded and replied, "Yes! I wasn't in a good mood yesterday... I said some unpleasant things to you, please don't take it to heart."

With a hint of disappointment, Yang Sisi said to me, "What I took to heart wasn't what you said to me. I felt like you were always holding back... Why couldn't you just tell me these things yourself? Why did I have to find out from someone else? I don't even have the confidence to do anything for you."

“You’re still a child who hasn’t fully grown up. You’re already overwhelmed enough. I don’t want you to suffer too much because of me.”

"Even with all your concerns, didn't I still go to Thailand with you? ...When you needed me, did you treat me like a child?"

I remain silent.

With tears welling up in her eyes, Yang Sisi said to me again, "Dali is another starting point in life for both of us... We met at this starting point. I've never felt that it was fate. In my eyes, we are just two people who wanted to change their lives and came together for the same purpose... Just like how many newborns meet in the hospital every day... Dali is our hospital, and we were reborn in Dali!"

Yang Sisi's linguistic talent is admirable. After a moment of contemplation, I replied, "Yes, this explanation is more vivid and convincing than the one about fate."

Yang Sisi gazed at me, her lips trembling slightly: "So... you don't have to love me... but you must treat me like family, okay?"

My heart was trembling violently... I thought this was a manifestation of her linguistic talent; but in fact, it was what she longed for most deep in her heart... She didn't want to be marginalized in my world, which is why she said something so soul-stirring.

Yang Sisi pursed her lips and cried, but she was unwilling to let the tears fall, so she stubbornly wiped them away whenever they came.

I couldn't answer her with words. I just stared at her, feeling an urge to cry... but as a man, I was sure I could hold back more than Yang Sisi.

She seemed to sense my feelings and said to me, her voice choked with emotion, "Michael, you don't need to say anything. Just remember what I told you today... And then, I have one more request... I want to go to the hospital with you to see Uncle. I won't say anything inappropriate."

The next moment, she doubted herself again: "Never mind, I won't go with you. I'll go with Sister Bai Lu. Will she go to the hospital to see Uncle this morning?"

Yes, around nine o'clock.

"Can I go with her?"

"Go if you want to."

"Okay, then you can go... I'll sit here a little longer."

My heart was pounding, but I still walked past Yang Sisi and headed towards the parking lot with my car keys. This time, there was no reflective glass, so I didn't know what she looked like as she got further and further away.

...

I picked up Lu Jia from the ancient city, and the two of us went to the hospital together. My mother had aged a lot in just one night, and she looked very unwell. This showed what she was feeling as she got through the night.

Old Mi was still asleep when Lu Jia gently placed the insulated food container on the bedside table and then whispered to my mother, "Auntie, did Uncle sleep well last night?"

"He's fine, don't worry."

After a brief pause, my mother said to me again, "I have something to ask you. Go outside and talk for a bit."

...

Outside the ward, my mother could no longer hold back. She sobbed uncontrollably for a long time. Lu Jia let her lean on her and kept comforting her... After a long while, my mother choked out to me, "Michael, when will the test results come out... I can't take it anymore. My heart is pounding and I can't calm down for a moment!"

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