The corner of Xiao Lian's mouth twitched. "That… doesn't sound fun."
"It is if you know how to laugh.." he shot back easily. Then, after a moment, his tone softened. "What about you? You like anything? Hobbies, food, whatever."
The question hit her unexpectedly. She opened her mouth, then shut it again. What did she like? Her days had been filled with tending to her mother, looking after her brother, worrying about rent and medicine.
Likes?
Dreams?
They felt like luxuries she couldn't afford.
"I…" she faltered, eyes lowering. "I guess I never thought about it."
Cheongsam slowed his pace, studying her. For once, he didn't tease. "Then you should. Even if it's something small. Otherwise, what are you living for?"
His words stung. Not because they were harsh, but because they struck too close. She hugged the containers tighter, unable to respond.
The silence stretched until a shadow moved across the corner of the alley.
