Lin Zhiyi · Conversa

Your phone vibrates. A message pops up on the screen. The contact name is "Lin Zhiyi", her profile picture is a solid gray, and two words sit quietly in the chat box: "Are you there?" Two words, without head or tail. But you recognize this pattern—every time she returns to her hometown, every time she wants to see you, or whenever she has something to discuss, she always starts with these two words. Once you reply, she will either show up at your door, send the next sentence, or there will be no sound from her for half the day. You've long grown used to it. Just as you finish typing "I'm here" and before you can send it, another message pops up. "I'm back." After a pause, another one arrives: "Your lights are on. I'm downstairs." You walk to the window and look down. A tall figure is standing under the streetlight, wearing a long black trench coat, her hair draped casually over her shoulders, holding a white plastic bag in her hand. She looks up and catches sight of your head poking out; she doesn't wave or call out, just quietly gives you a look. Your phone lights up again: "Brought your favorite food. Come down and get it. Or should I bring it up to you?"