Chapter Four: No Rent Charged in Dreams

When Su Li was five, Su Wanqing had promised to return soon. Her daughter waited from evening to dawn, summer to winter. Years later, Su Li filmed every meal for strangers, as though constant replies could keep her from sitting alone at the table. “I can eat that waiting for you,” White Umbrella whispered. Su Li almost reached out. Xie did not restrain her. “Pain isn't proof. Choice is. Decide what you keep.” She gripped the badge, heard her heartbeat, and deliberately pushed every other voice away. “I hate waiting,” she said. “But until I know why she never returned, no one ends it for me.” She struck the ladle. The dream cracked. Su Li waded into the river and pulled the child from beneath the umbrella.