Xiao Lian swallowed, unable to lift her eyes.
Mianmian didn't push further. Instead, she turned, walked into the kitchen, and returned with two neatly packed containers. She set them on the counter in front of Xiao Lian.
"Dinner..." she said simply. "For your family..."
Xiao Lian's head snapped up. "I—I can't—"
"You can. And you will. They'll eat well tonight."
Before Xiao Lian could find words, Mianmian pulled a small envelope from the register and slid it across the counter. "And this is today's pay."
Xiao Lian stared at it, stunned. The envelope was light, but to her, it felt heavier than stone.
Her chest burned. Her throat closed up. She had promised herself she wouldn't cry here, wouldn't let her weakness show, but the dam broke anyway.
Tears welled up and spilled down her cheeks, silent at first, then harder as her hands trembled against the counter.
"I—thank you.." she whispered, her voice cracking.
