Chapter One: The Empty Car

Cheng opened his eyes aboard the Linchuan train. The seven passengers were back. The announcement named the terminal; his phone read 12:41. He rushed home. Warm light showed beneath his mother's door, and from inside came laughter he had not heard in years. “Xiaodu, you still remember my favorite.” Another voice replied, “When have I ever forgotten a promise to you?” It was Cheng's voice. The door opened. A man identical to him stood holding a garbage bag, down to the childhood scar through his left eyebrow. Surprise crossed the man's face, followed by a smile more natural than Cheng's own. “Mom,” he called over his shoulder, “there's someone outside pretending to be me.”