“It takes two to clap, I know my daughter best.” Su Yiwen was silent for a moment. “Actually, I brought something for her.” Tao’s mother took a look; it was a bag of books.
“This…”
“She left without taking them, I thought she might need them.” Su Yiwen then patted his pocket. “And… this is the key to our home, she didn’t take it when she left.”
Tao’s mother looked at the items in her hands, her emotions mixed. Such a nice young couple, why did it have to come to this?
“Mom, I’ll be going now. If anything happens with Lele, please call me. Let her rest well, don’t let her overthink.” Su Yiwen glanced at the room once more, then left.
“You’re in such a hurry? Stay for lunch.” Tao’s mother tried to keep him at the door.
Su Yiwen smiled, “No need, mom, there’s something at work, I have to go.”
“Uh…” Just as Tao’s mother was in a bind, the door to the small room suddenly opened.
“Su Yiwen!” The familiar voice made Su Yiwen stop in his tracks. He turned around to see a small figure standing there, eyes still red.
“Lele…” Su Yiwen wanted to go to her, to embrace her, but feared she might get upset.
Tao Le had been listening to their conversation from inside. She knew he came almost every day, but she just didn’t want to see him, perhaps out of spite, or perhaps because she didn’t have enough confidence in their marriage. Many thoughts swirled in her mind, leaving her unsure how to face Su Yiwen. But hearing him say, ‘I haven’t taken good care of her’, along with those books and the key, she couldn’t help but tear up. So when she heard he was leaving, she instinctively called out to him.
Seeing the two not speaking, Tao’s mother nudged Su Yiwen, indicating he should go in and talk. Su Yiwen didn’t hesitate; seeing Tao Le turn back into the room, he quickly followed, closing the door behind him. Now, in the small, quiet room, the two just looked at each other without speaking. Tao Le sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the bruise still lingering on Su Yiwen’s lips, her heart softening. She turned her head away and asked, “Are you okay?”
