The next morning, Shen Rihui woke up early.
The oak tree outside the window swayed gently in the morning breeze, and a few rays of golden sunlight poured in through the slanted window, cutting the light and shadow on the floor into soft geometric patterns.The air had the fresh scent of damp plants, like last night's rain had left some tiredness swirling in the air.
She threw on her knitted jacket and creaked down the stairs on the wooden floor.The kitchen was already occupied, it was Margaret flipping the breakfast spatula, a light white mist rising from the stove top.She had an apron with blue floral prints tied around her, her hair meticulously coiffed, her movements skillful and subdued.
"Good morning, Ms. Shen."She smiled at her, "Did you sleep well last night?"
"Very well, the most restful sleep I've had recently."Shen Riqiu smiled back and sat down on the wooden chair by the window.
"My sons and daughters were still busy at the grocery store in town when you came, so they might be back earlier today.I'll introduce you when they return."Margaret poured a glass of orange juice and handed it to her, "They're about the same age as you, and they love to have fun too."
Shen Riqiu took the cup and looked out the window at the alley that was gradually lighting up.The bakery on the corner had just pulled open its wooden door, the owner was sweeping the laurel that fell last night with a broom in front of the door, and the scent of baking bread began to waft through the air.
Breakfast was Margaret's handmade bacon omelette and whole-wheat toast, with a small dish of honey and strawberry jam.Shenriki ate slowly, like she was trying to take in these peaceful flavors bit by bit.
"I'm going to go sit at the forest cafe again today for a while, and paint some of the town's scenery on the way."She said as she ate.
Margaret nodded with approval in her eyes, "That child Lin Yu, ah, always gives people a sense of peace of mind.The forest is one of my favorite places."
Shen Riqiu froze for a moment, then smiled.
She recalled Lin Yu's eyes that day, calm and clean, like a cup of freshly brewed coffee that had warmed her palms before she had a chance to sip it.
After breakfast, she packed up her drawing utensils and sketchbook, put on her long skirt and jacket, and put on her white beret and that linen scarf.
The sky was just clearing as she headed out the door.
The gravel road was still wet, and the sun shone on the pavement, reflecting clouds in the puddles.Step by step, she walked in the morning light of the town, passing the small store selling handmade pottery, with a few freshly fired vases still steaming on the windowsill.
Passing by the old man selling chestnuts again, who was turning them in an iron pot, he nodded and smiled when he saw her, "The little girl looks so good today."
She replied softly, "Thank you, Grandpa."
Finally she came to the end of that familiar alley again, the misty green door was still there, the wind chimes didn't ring, but she knew - Lin Ma was still there, like a cup of hot milk chai, like a small mass of tenderness that was quietly welling up in her heart at the moment.
She reached out and pushed the door open, and the wind chime rang.
Lin Yu was standing behind the counter wiping his cup, and when he heard the sound he looked up, the corners of his mouth curving up, "Good morning.Painting today too?"
"Uh-huh."She nodded and said softly, "I want to paint the morning in your town."
He pointed to the corner by the window, "Then you've come to the right place, morning is the quietest time in the forest."
Shen Riqiu walked over, spread out her sketchbook, and began to trace the osmanthus tree outside the window.Light and shadow dappled onto her fingertips as Lin Yu returned to the bar and quietly made coffee.
Everything was just right.
Just like this morning, with the first rays of sunshine after the rain, warmly, slowly, shining into Shen Rihui's world.
A good mood for the day starts with a good morning.