How strange it was, to miss someone this much so soon. How dangerous, perhaps, to let her heart lean toward him so fully. But she couldn't help it. She imagined the letter he might be writing her, for he had that kind of soul, one that wouldn't sit quietly with longing. Would he say again that she was his moon, his world, that his life found its color in her presence?
A smile curved at her lips despite herself. She placed the cooled cloth gently back across Cheongsam's forehead, her fingers brushing the boy's temple with sisterly care.
"Sleep well.." she whispered, though he had already drifted past hearing.
Mianmian stayed by his side a while longer, watching the steady rhythm of his breathing. Outside, the cicadas sang, and the lantern light flickered against the windowpane.
Downstairs, the restaurant was dark, tables cleared, doors locked. From the outside, it looked peaceful, ordinary, untouched.
