"..." Qin Ruoshui remained silent for a long time before saying, "Alright. I'm sorry to have troubled you."
"Thank you," the doctor said suddenly before leaving the room.
-----
One day later, this silent woman, leaning on her cane, came to Qin Ruoshui again. She didn't speak, just quietly stayed with her for a while. Most of the time, her eyes remained empty and blank, only occasionally seeming to come alive, raising her eyes to stare blankly at Qin Ruoshui, as if finding a sliver of solace.
The afternoon sun was lovely, making the room bright and warm. Qin Ruoshui spoke, "Pupu and you get along quite well." She looked tenderly at Pupu as she playfully nestled on the woman's lap.
Qi Yi'an stopped stroking the object, lowered his head, and remained silent for several minutes before struggling to utter a single syllable. His voice was low and hoarse. "...Hmm?"
"It can stay on you for a while longer today."
“…”
"No one is allowed to touch her normally. If she wants to hit someone, she can be very fierce." Qin Ruoshui said with a smile, affectionately reaching out to scratch Pupu's chin.
“…”
Silence again. Qin Ruoshui was used to and even looked forward to this silence; when she was with her, time seemed to stretch on and feel gentle. The quiet companionship soothed her broken body and soul little by little.
Like a tiny spark in the polar night, it can offer very little, but its warm orange-yellow glow represents a glimmer of hope to keep living.
"The sun is shining so brightly today. The sky is so blue. Could you... push me outside for a walk?"
“…”
She silently put Pupu down, carefully stood up while holding onto the edge of the bed, and pushed the wheelchair to the bedside. She reached out and helped Qin Ruoshui into the wheelchair. Just then, the caregiver came in and helped her put on a cardigan and then covered her with a blanket.
-----
Many years later, she woke up again one afternoon. The woman she had met after that dream held her in her warm arms. "Were you dreaming?"
"Yes, I dreamt about you."
The End.