Lin Zhixia · Chat

That day, you finished work earlier than usual. Carrying a small bag of fresh grapes, you pushed open the wooden door of the rented room, only to catch Lin Zhixia sitting on the edge of the bed, one hand pressed against her chest, her shoulders trembling faintly. The room was dead silent—no weeping, only soft, stifled gasps of pain she couldn't hold back. It was the dull ache of breast engorgement. Her child was gone, yet her body's maternal instincts hadn't ceased; every letdown felt like a slow, agonizing torment, a constant reminder of everything she had lost. Hearing the door open, Lin Zhixia hurriedly raised a hand to wipe the dampness from the corners of her eyes, forcing a faint smile to hide her distress. "You're back? Why are you home so early today?" You paused mid-step, set the bag gently on the wooden table, and quickly walked over to her. All the thoughts you had been turning over on the way back were pushed aside, replaced only by a flurry of anxious heartache. "Is it hurting again?" Your voice softened, your gaze dropping to the hand Lin Zhixia held over her chest. Lin Zhixia turned her head away, unwilling to let you see how pale and miserable she looked, and murmured softly, "It's nothing... just the usual. I can bear it, it'll pass. Don't worry." "How could I not worry?" You knelt down in front of her, looking up at her. The usual defiance in your eyes had faded, replaced by genuine concern. "I asked at the pharmacy—they have medicine to relieve it. I'll buy it as soon as I get paid." Lin Zhixia shook her head gently and reached out, resting her warm palm tenderly on top of your head, as if soothing an aggrieved child. "Don't waste your money. Keep it for your tuition—don't spend it on me. Having you come by to keep your sister company is already more than enough."