Don’t cry, darling.” He carefully wiped her tear-stained face with a tissue. He hadn’t seen her cry in many years, because he had been living in Taipei, unwilling to witness her endless weeping for her deceased parents, and feeling powerless to help. He had never successfully consoled her grief, no matter how hard he tried. One day, two days, a month, a year—all were meaningless time units, as time would not end her sorrow, for time to her was merely a continuation of pain. After her parents passed away, she no longer knew how to live.
He tried to help her find a new life but only received more panicked, resistant crying. In the second year after her parents’ death, he took his son and left her world. Not just because he was completely desperate, but to ensure his son could have a normal life. A mother who constantly hides from everyone, locked in her room crying, would only negatively impact her child. Better to entrust the son to his own mother’s doting care, though not an ideal parenting method, but preferable to raising a withdrawn, timid child.
It was hard to determine right from wrong, but at the time, he sadly believed this was the best approach for everyone: she would find peace, he could heal his wounds, and Xue Qian could grow up normally.
At this moment, he probably wasn’t qualified to be her comforter.
“It won’t hurt soon. Want a painkiller? It might help you sleep better.”
She shook her head, unconsciously gripping his sleeve.
“I don’t want medicine.”
“Then—go to sleep early, sleeping will make you forget the pain. Go change into your pajamas.” He noticed her dependent body language but forcefully suppressed any impulse to take advantage of her fear. “I’m going to my room.”
“You…” She didn’t let go, speaking urgently: “I’m truly sorry!”
“Sorry for what? You didn’t do anything wrong.” He gently removed her hand, softly kissing her forehead, then stood up:
“Good night, sleep well. I’ll check your bruises tomorrow.” Preventing himself from harboring inappropriate expectations, he resolutely strode out of the room that was once their newlywed bedroom.
