Madam Zhao hugged Su Sanlang and refused to let go.
Then, the children woke up.
Everyone was crying. Su Chong and Su Hua were sobbing. Su Chong said, "Father, Mother, I want to go too. I'm strong. I can help."
Su Hua also cried and said, "Father, Mother, I want to go too. Let the tiger eat me first before letting Big Brother smash the tiger's head. Hua isn't afraid of death. Really."
Su Sanmei cried, "Father, Mother, let me be the bait. My skin is tender. I'm the only one that needs to die."
Madam Zhao immediately cried out in pain and pounded her chest. "My children…"
The family huddled together and wept.
No matter what Su Sanlang said, they refused to let him go alone.
Su Sanlang hugged his wife and child and said with a lump in his throat, "I was incompetent. I couldn't give you a home. I'm sorry."
