It was Ning Guiwan's maternal grandmother who accompanied her through that most difficult year.
"Xiaowan, Grandma doesn't know how much longer I will live. Grandma isn't afraid of dying; what Grandma fears is not seeing you settle down in a good home. When I'm down there, I wouldn't know how to explain it to your maternal grandmother... And Ayu... I'd like to see him marry and have children too..."
Most people cling to life and fear death because they have loved ones they can't bear to leave behind.
"Grandma Quan, you should live to a ripe old age." Ning Guiwan crouched next to the rocking chair, her hands clasped over the old lady's knees, lifting her face. "Not just a ripe old age, but you should also live to see your grandchildren's children."
