That evening, everyone sat around the table in the classroom. Xiao Li, the birthday boy, was turning eight today. He was a bright young boy who always helped others in need. He was ecstatic to receive a toy robot from Zhi An.
"Thank you, Uncle Li. I'll treasure it." Xiao Li hugged his toy robot while one of the teachers brought a huge and delicious cake for the children.
The director thanked Yue Yue and asked all children to listen.
"Everybody, listen up! Can we say a big thank you to Sister Yue Yue and Uncle Li for the cake? They bought it for everyone to enjoy."
All of the children shouted, "Thank you, Sister Yue Yue and Uncle Li."
Yue Yue smiled at them and said, "Please enjoy!" She looked at Zhi An who was looking at the children.
"Thank you for paying. I guess we're even now."
Zhi An looked back at her and handed her some milk rabbit creamy candies that Shan Shan gave him.
"Where did you get these candies?" She asked, "They are my favorite. Thank you!"
"Shan Shan gave these to me and she asked me to give it to you since these were your favorite candies." He replied and tried one of the candies himself as well. He liked the flavor a lot.
"Do you like candies as well?" She asked him.
"No, I was just curious since you liked them." He replied and slightly smirked.
"Oh... okay sure." She thought, "He likes them, he's just denying it."
After all of the kids have their own plates and fork, one of the teachers turned off the lights.
"Everybody, let's sing happy birthday to Xiao Li? Okay?"
"Okay!" The kids replied.
After singing, few of the teachers handed out pieces of cake to each children. Yue Yue and Zhi An watched them dig into the cake with joy.
Out of no where, Zhi An asked, "Do you like kids?"
"Yes! Of course, they're adorable. Who wouldn't like them?" She replied with a smile.
"How about you?" She asked.
"I'm okay with kids, I guess. Not too good but it's getting there. They are adorable though." He looked at her slightly then looking away. He felt more comfortable with Yue Yue and he was able to talk more because of her.
Shan Shan got up and asked one of the teachers to give Yue Yue and Zhi An a cake. One of the teachers got two pieces of cake for each of them. Both of them enjoyed the cake.
It was already late at night and all of the children are sleeping. Zhi An couldn't sleep again so he went out and sat on one of the picnic tables. Yue Yue was about to sleep but she had no idea where Zhi An went. She was feeling indecisive whether she should send a text or not. She threw her phone on the bed and wore her jacket before heading out.
The orphanage was very creepy and quiet at night, she used her phone flashlight to navigate the hallway. When she opened the front door, she saw Zhi An sitting alone in the dark. She carefully approached him and sat down on the opposite side. The weather was quite humid and warm during night time and the night sky were full of twinkling stars.
"What are you thinking?" Yue Yue asked despite knowing she might not get her answer right away but out of concern, she still asked.
"My team back in Shanghai." He replied without giving too much information.
"Zhi An, I know it's difficult for you to tell me the whole story but I really want to help you. Sometimes talking can be a way to heal past wounds." Zhi An still remained silent without saying anything. Yue Yue sighed and got up, "I'll wait until you're ready. Don't stay up too late."
She was about to leave when Zhi An got up and held her wrist for the first time. Zhi An couldn't help but tears started to fall.
"I'm...I'm afraid."
Yue Yue heard his voice trembling and turned around. She told him to look at her.
"Zhi An. It's okay to cry. You can tell me later. Okay?" She used her jacket sleeve to wipe away his tears. Just for tonight, she's not surgeon nor a doctor but as his confidant, his friend in times of need. She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a much needed hug.
After a while, Zhi An told her something in a trembling voice, "My teammates died because of me. I ran away. I'm... afraid if I go back." Yue Yue listened to him attentively without asking any questions. Zhi An continued, "We were in a mission back in Cambodia, we were suppose to rescue a VIP. But, we failed..."
As he was talking, he suddenly felt tightness in his chest and started to feel breathless. Yue Yue asked him sit first in case he pass out.
"Are you having flashbacks now?" Yue Yue asked clearly and he nodded.
"Can you look at me? Follow me and breathe. In and out, in and out... good job. Keep going." She stayed beside him for another fifteen minutes until he calmed down.
"Are you feeling better now? Don't be afraid." She reassured him in a comforting voice. He was feeling like his energy been sucked out and he laid his head on her shoulders again. Yue Yue understood what triggered him and that is when he either experienced something similar or talking about it. She wanted to help him step by step so he can gather up the courage and go back where he used to work at.
"Let's do it step by step. Alright? I'm glad you told me." She told him and he nodded slightly.
"Yue Yue... thank you." He whispered and closed his eyes.