Li Wei walked home with the small basket pressed tightly against his chest. Each step felt lighter than the last, though his body was still weak. Inside the basket were buns and rice balls — real food, warm and fragrant. His hands trembled as he opened it to peek inside again, hardly believing it was really his.
Before he reached home, he carefully wrapped a few buns and rice balls in an old cloth and tucked them into his pocket. These weren't just food; they were little pieces of hope he wanted to share with his mother.
When he finally stepped into their small house, the fading sun cast golden strips of light across the dusty floor. He set the basket down, his stomach growling loudly now, but he didn't touch anything yet.
He poured water into a basin and washed himself properly for the first time in days. The water was cold, but it felt like a blessing, washing away layers of dirt and fatigue.
After drying off, he knelt by his old trunk. He opened it slowly, as if it held hidden treasures. Inside lay a few clothes from better times ;a shirt and pants, faded but still stronger and less torn than the ones he wore every day. He ran his fingers over the fabric and nodded to himself.
Tomorrow… I have to look decent. I have to show them I can belong there. Even if just a little.He folded the clothes neatly and set them aside for the morning. Then, he slipped back into his daily rags and grabbed the wrapped food from his pocket.
With careful steps, he made his way to the clinic. The smell of herbs and medicine drifted out as he pushed the door open. His mother's eyes lifted weakly, and when she saw him, they sparkled with gentle warmth.
"Ma," he whispered, smiling as he unwrapped the food. "Look what I brought for you today. Buns and rice balls… real food."
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she reached out with shaking hands. He fed her small bites, watching her savor each mouthful as if it were a banquet.
Between bites, he told her everything — the big house, the maids, the chance to work. Her eyes grew wide with each word, her thin lips parting in surprise and cautious joy.
"You must do well," she whispered hoarsely, her voice cracking. "Make them see your heart, my son."Li Wei took her hand, pressing it against his cheek. "I promise, Ma. I'll do my best. For you… for Ying… for all of us."
After she finished eating, he stayed by her side a while longer, telling her little jokes and silly stories to make her smile. For a few moments, the room felt warm again, almost like the old days when his father was still alive and Ying ran around laughing.
When the stars finally dotted the sky outside, Li Wei stood and gave his mother one last gentle squeeze on her hand. He walked back to the house, the moonlight guiding his path.
Once inside, he sat by the folded clothes, running his fingers across them again. His heart pounded with nerves and excitement.
Tomorrow, he thought. Tomorrow is my chance.He lay down on the floor, closing his eyes and picturing his mother's face after she ate. For the first time in what felt like forever, he drifted into sleep with something like a soft smile on his lips.
And as the night wrapped around him, Li Wei's spirit whispered quietly: Maybe this is the beginning of something better. Maybe… just maybe.