The whispers of autumn rain

A few days after Dr. Chen Xu's visit, City A was hit by a continuous autumn rain. Unlike the torrential downpours of summer, the autumn rain was fine and dense, carrying a refreshing coolness, silently soaking the earth and sky, shrouding the whole world in a hazy, watery mist.

For Lu Shixu, this kind of weather was another kind of test. The dampness and low pressure were like an invisible net, quietly tightening, eroding his nerves, which were already more prone to fatigue than the average person. That familiar feeling, as if the edges of his consciousness were constantly blurring, began to quietly spread again.

He sat at his workbench, working on a simple pocket watch movement, but his movements were much slower than usual. His hand, holding the tweezers, paused almost imperceptibly in mid-air. He said nothing, nor did he show any impatience; only his slightly furrowed brow and his paler complexion silently spoke of the struggle he was going through.

Lin Zhiyi took in his entire state. Unlike before, she didn't anxiously ask questions with panic and worry, nor did she try to encourage or comfort him. She simply stopped her work and silently got up.

She went to the back first, refilled the hot water bottle that had been kept warm, carefully wrapped it in a soft velvet cover, and then gently walked to his side. Without saying a word, she simply placed the warm hot water bottle into his slightly cool hands.

Lu Shixu's fingers trembled slightly as they touched that warmth, and he lifted his heavy eyelids to look at her.

"Wrap it up a bit, it'll make you feel more comfortable," Lin Zhiyi said softly, her tone as casual as if she were talking about the weather.

He did not refuse and obediently placed the hot water bottle on his abdomen. A warm current slowly spread out, seemingly dispelling the damp cold and heaviness that lingered in his limbs.

Next, Lin Zhiyi brewed a strong cup of red date and longan tea, adding a little brown sugar. The sweet and warm aroma was especially comforting in the humid air. She placed the teacup beside him, then sat back down in her seat, picked up her book again, but didn't urge him or deliberately create a relaxed atmosphere. She simply let a quiet companionship, like the autumn rain, silently envelop him.

Lu Shixu lowered his head, looking at the hot water bottle with a simple pattern in his hand, then at the cup of steaming sweet tea, and finally at the quiet figure reading beside him.

The rain pattered against the eaves and windowpanes outside the window, like an endless lullaby, enticing one's consciousness to sink deeper and deeper. Waves of weariness washed over him, trying to drag him into a deep sleep.

In the past, in weather like this, he might have chosen to give up the fight, letting himself be overwhelmed by weariness, drifting alone in a long, uncontrolled sleep, often waking up with even deeper exhaustion and emptiness.

But at this moment, the warmth of his palms, the sweet fragrance at the tip of his nose, and the steady breathing beside him wove together a fine and soft net, gently lifting him from that suffocating sea of ​​weariness.

He still felt exhausted; that physical, inescapable heaviness remained. But supported by this net, the exhaustion no longer seemed so terrible, no longer signifying utter defeat and loneliness. It had become a state he could coexist with, like the autumn rain outside the window—though it brought inconvenience and gloom, it was also a natural part of the changing seasons.

He took a deep breath, neither forcing himself to immediately return to work nor letting himself fall asleep. He simply maintained his original posture, clutching the hot water bottle, listening to the rain, feeling the presence of the people around him, and quietly confronting the weariness in his body.

It's a peculiar balance. In the past, he would either fight it with all his might or surrender completely. Now, he has found a third way—to coexist with it with awareness.

After a long while, he picked up the cup of jujube tea, which had become lukewarm, and slowly took a sip. The sweetness and warmth soothed his body and mind.

Then, he picked up the tweezers from the table again. His movements were still slow, but no longer hesitant. He continued his interrupted work, cleaning the tiny specks of dust from the movement bit by bit with utmost patience.

Lin Zhiyi looked up from between the pages of her book and saw his profile as he resumed his work, slowly but steadily and attentively. A slight smile played on her lips, but she remained silent, simply lowering her head again to continue reading.

The autumn rain outside the window continued to fall incessantly, its pitter-patter like a background melody playing for this silent companionship and gentle steadfastness.

Some acts of protection need no words.

In every turbulent time, I simply light a lamp for you, warm a cup of tea, and then quietly stay with you, waiting for the sky to clear.