The damp and dusty walls smelling blood and human wastes could have made anyone with a soul puke in disgust. But Dan Feng could not smell it anymore.
He might have lost his sense of smell too, he thought. His ears were buzzing for some time now. Though everything was quite like before. Darkness around his eyes didn't change from the beginning. Not for a bit of time.
He could feel his strength slipping away from his body little by little.
Before, he was feeling like his skin was slicing open with needles. He is relieved that his numb body doesn't hurt anymore now.
The body once used to stand tall with domination was now thrown on the floor of the d, like a piece of rag. It feels soft but not comfortable compared to his fluffy bed before.
The corner of his lips curled into a smile as he thought about it. Not too long ago, the young master of Mian Chu Palace, Dan Feng, would not even touch his favourite clothes if they fell on the floor. But now he was there, laying like filth.
He could not remember how much time had gone since he was brought there. Maybe two days or five or a week.
Those loyal guards didn't come for a long time. They might also lose interest in him.
Torturing someone who won't respond anymore is not fun at all.
The soul pitied upon his own life. Perhaps, if he could get a chance again, he might change his fate. He might make his unworthy life a bit remarkable so that the people outside won't remember him as a destroyer of his own family.
His mind jotted and remembered. The happy memories, sad memories, old memories, the earliest memories his mind could register. Until he couldn't remember anymore.
The darkness around him seems to disappear bit by bit. His eyes see lights. Bright lights. The light fell upon his sister's face. The teenager's face was glowing. She was calling him.
Dan Feng's face brightened. He lifted his arm with all his might towards her when the blackened blood flooded his mouth and fell on the asphalt.
He smiled for the last time as he slowly grabbed his sister's hand.
***
The outside of the house was in chaos. The leader of the Zhan family was going to be a father for the second time. Everyone in the family was excited to welcome the new member.
A little girl was sleeping in her father's arms. The man was pacing to and forth in the corridor.
Clan leader Zhan was anxious. Cradling his little daughter in his arms, he was peeking through the door from time to time.
Inside the screaming of Lady Zhan and the hurried footsteps was making his heart beat faster.
The condition of the mother is bad. Sweats and tears wetting her face.
'A moment more! Baby, wait for a little moment. Mother will be with you.' The encouraging words were for herself, repeating in her mind.
But when the last strike came, her breath struck. And she knew she won't be able to accompany her babies anymore.
With a final scream, her sweaty body fell on the bed. Eyes closed slowly and a teardrop fell silently under her dark lashes.
***
Lady Zhan passed away. Giving birth to a baby boy.
Master Zhan's eyes were red. A lump in his throat was finding a way to get out but he forced it in.
The sleeping girl was taken away by someone. And the newborn was now in his arms, wrapped in a cotton cloak.
But he wasn't crying. Nor moving a bit. His little chest was moving up and down though. Which was the only relief because the baby was alive.
The baby's face was red. Like a fire burning inside him. Master Zhan touched his delicate skin. He felt like flame was engulfing his hand.
Master Zhan was taken aback. Why is the baby so hot?
Physician came. Medicines older than his total lifespan were brought too. But all they were able to say was, "Perhaps, the baby won't be able to make it!"
***
~♥ Rose.