Shi Leyun's heart clenched at the sight of her son's tears, but she knew she couldn't grant his request. Her time was up. A sigh, barely audible in the quiet room, escaped her lips as she lowered her head and kissed his forehead. "It's time, my son," she whispered, her voice steady despite the grief that choked her. "I have to go."
The old man choked back a sob, his eyes overflowing with sorrow. "Mother," he rasped, his voice thick with emotion. "Please... stay... just a little longer."
Shi Leyun's eyes mirrored his pain. This was her son. A part of her yearned to linger, to spend more time with him, but no matter how much she wanted, she couldn't fight against the laws of nature.
"I can't," she said softly, a tinge of regret coloring her voice. "My time has come."
"Mother..." he cried, his voice a broken lament.
