Xu Ke left the consultation room with her heart in turmoil, aching inch by inch. This child had come at such an inconvenient time, but it was her first child, her flesh and blood. She couldn’t bear to abandon it, yet keeping it, how would she face the judgment of others? She could handle the pressure, but what about the child? Her mind was a mess, and she sat in a daze on the hospital bench for two hours without making a decision. Her phone rang; it was Yin Wancheng. “Xiao Ke, I just finished some errands and am heading home. Shall I pick you up from work?” “Oh, I’m not at work. You go back first; I’ll return later on my own.” “What’s wrong? You sound so weak. Are you sick?” “Ah, no, I just haven’t eaten, I’m a bit hungry.” “Alright, let me treat you to dinner. Where are you? I’ll come to get you.” “Wait for me at Yixiangju on Dangyang Road.” “Okay, I’ll be right there.”
Xu Ke stood up shakily and stepped out of the hospital. Although it was after work hours, the setting sun was beautiful, the sudden brightness made her eyes blur, and she clutched the street pole, another wave of nausea washing over her. Yixiangju on Dangyang Road was close; she walked slowly and sat at a street-facing table. Outside the window, the after-work crowd flowed like endless water, the sunset’s glow on the passersby adding to the rush of returning home. Her hand gently rested on her flat stomach; there was no sign of movement, yet she distinctly felt a faint pulse. She knew it must be her imagination, but this illusion was so strong it tugged at her heartstrings. It wasn’t yet dinner time, and she was the only customer in the restaurant. In the vast, empty hall, she sat in silence, without appetite but oddly craving food. She couldn’t wait for Yin Wancheng and started flipping through the menu to order. Before the food arrived, Yin Wancheng was already there. Xu Ke didn’t have the energy to stand; she gave him a lazy smile, “I didn’t eat breakfast or lunch, I’m so hungry, I ordered some food.” Yin Wancheng laughed, “Perfect timing, I didn’t eat much at lunch either, I’m starving too.”
