The week passed quickly, like golden sand slipping through open fingers.
Each day, Lin Qing Yun tried to hold onto every small moment with Si Yao—the way her laughter echoed in the kitchen, the way she frowned in concentration over math problems, the way she curled up on the sofa with her long legs tucked beneath her, still looking like the little girl she used to be.
Morning Market
On the last morning of the holiday, Qing Yun took Si Yao to the old market near their apartment. Vendors called out prices for fresh vegetables and fruits; steam rose from bamboo baskets filled with buns.
Si Yao held Qing Yun's arm, swinging it like a child. "Jie, I want that red bean bun. No, wait, that osmanthus cake too!"
Qing Yun laughed. "You're not a child anymore. Are you sure you can eat so much?"
Si Yao bit into the bun, cheeks puffed, and mumbled, "When I go back to school, I won't have you buying me snacks. So let me be greedy today."
Qing Yun looked at her sister's bright eyes, her lively expression, and her heart tightened. She handed over money for both. "Alright. Be greedy. Jie will always feed you."
Flashback
Her words pulled her mind back to years ago.
When their mother had dragged them to Liangcheng, promising a "fresh start," Qing Yun had believed her. She had thought: Maybe this time, we'll finally be happy.
But instead, their lives had grown harder. Money was always scarce, debts piled up, and their mother's temper flared more often.
There was one night Qing Yun would never forget: their mother storming out after another argument, slamming the door behind her, leaving two girls in the dim room.
Si Yao had clung to her sleeve, crying softly, "Jie, don't let Mama leave."
Qing Yun had crouched down, wiping her sister's tears, forcing herself to smile. "Even if Mama leaves, you'll still have me. I'll never leave you."
From that night on, she had kept that promise—taking on jobs, giving up her own college dream, carrying the burden of debts, so her sister could study without fear.
Present Again
Back at the apartment, Si Yao sprawled across the bed, books and papers scattered around her. "Jie, quiz me! I need to practice before school starts again."
Qing Yun sat cross-legged beside her, reading out questions, watching her sister rattle off answers with ease. The pride in her chest swelled until it almost hurt.
When Si Yao got one wrong, she slapped her own forehead. "Ah! Jie, don't look at me like that. I'll do better, I promise."
Qing Yun laughed, brushing her hair back. "You don't need to promise. You've already done more than I could ever dream."
Evening Conversation
That evening, the sisters sat on the balcony again, their usual place for heart-to-heart talks.
The air carried the faint fragrance of late summer flowers, and the city lights flickered below.
"Jie," Si Yao said suddenly, her tone softer than usual. "Is it okay for you? Dropping everything… for me?"
Qing Yun froze, then turned to look at her. "Why ask that?"
"Because sometimes I wonder if I stole your life."
Qing Yun reached out, gently cupping her sister's face. "Silly girl. You didn't steal anything. You gave me a reason to live. Without you, I might have disappeared long ago."
Si Yao's eyes shimmered. She buried her face against Qing Yun's shoulder, whispering, "Then promise me something."
"What?"
"Promise me you'll live your life fully. Even if one day… I'm not by your side."
Qing Yun's body stiffened. Her breath caught, but she forced herself to stay calm, stroking Si Yao's hair. "Why say such things? You'll always be by my side."
But deep in her heart, those words echoed like an omen.
Quiet Night
Later that night, after Si Yao had fallen asleep, Qing Yun sat by the window alone. The moon was rising—round, bright, serene.
She thought about the years that had passed, the sacrifices she had made, the golden week they had just shared.
Her eyes blurred with unshed tears. She whispered into the stillness:
"Yao Yao… If I could, I'd trade everything, just to keep you safe.."
The night held her words in silence, as if it knew more than it was willing to tell.