“Sister, what are you doing? Today is a reunion festival; don’t sound so melancholic! It’s like you’re about to leave.”
“Xiaoting, I feel unsettled today, like I’m about to leave. I’m scared something might happen.” Lan Lan rarely showed such sadness; she was usually strong and happy, so why was she so sentimental today?
“You must be too tired and overthinking. Go get some sleep and enjoy the moon tonight! Is anyone going to ask you out?”
“Silly girl, even if someone asks, I won’t necessarily agree. I’ve never wasted time and emotions on people I don’t like!”
In fact, many male colleagues had shown interest in her over the years, but she couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. She had tried dating a couple of times, but things would always cool down. Lan Lan couldn’t understand why she was easy-going with people yet ended up feeling emotionally vacant.
She loved her sensible sister, reminiscing about their childhood working in the fields and cooking together.
“Sister, you must work hard! Quickly find me a brother-in-law!”
“Alright, alright! I’ll work on it. You’re even more anxious than Mom. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!”
“Sister, same to you. I love you! Take care and don’t get too tired! Bye!”
Hearing her sister’s playful words, Lan Lan’s eyes moistened. Silently, she added in her heart: Little sister, I love you too!
In the evening, she invited Zhang Li over for mooncakes. Shortly after dinner, Zhang Li’s pager rang. “Lan Lan, I’ll take a call!” she said.
Less than five minutes later, Zhang Li called from downstairs, “I have something to do and must leave. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!” Undoubtedly, Cheng Hua had called her.
“You traitor, abandoning friendship for love. Go ahead, or someone might come to settle the score with me.”
Quietly gazing at the large, round moon, she thought of the poem “Thoughts of Home Grow Stronger on Festive Days” and wondered what her mother was doing.
Would she be thinking of her?
The phoenix token bracelet given by Grandpa Long was shining brilliantly in the moonlight, creating a wave of drowsiness. Tired, she would sleep. Spending the festival alone wasn’t enjoyable. Why had she been so sleepy all day? She had even gone to bed early for the occasion.
