The numerous radiant faces brimming with springtime vigor made Xia Liyou's heart flutter. Once, she was just like that, living each day without a care in the world, her life filled with ease and bliss.
But what about now?
A wry smile found its way to the corner of her mouth, faint and almost indistinguishable, as she retreated her gaze.
The car slowly halts before the grand entrance of Mt. Jing Care Home, a place that emanates an aura of peace and harmony.
The driver turns his head and professionally inquires, "Madam, should I wait outside for you?"
Xia Liyou's gaze is deep and solemn, "No need. Go ahead, I'll manage on my own."
As she steps out of the car, a delicate curve forms at the corner of Xia Liyou's mouth, forcing herself to smile brighter than ever.
Almost everyone here recognizes her. For they've never seen such a beautiful girl before, a sight so striking that it sears into their memory, to be forgotten never more.
Additionally, regardless of how busy Xia Liyou gets, she visits once a week. This has become an unmissable part of her routine.
Nurse Li greets Xia Liyou with a friendly smile upon seeing her, "Here to see Mrs. Tang, I presume. I saw Xiaozhou take her out for a walk a while ago."
Thanking her, Xia Liyou heads towards the direction pointed out by Nurse Li.
The environment at this care home is commendable, arguably one of the best in the entirety of Y City.
Before she decided to admit Tang Juan here, Xia Liyou had visited numerous care homes.
The recreation yard is filled with elderly people of varying ages. Some engaging in chess, others in conversations, and a few lost in their own worlds, seemingly content with their lives.
The staff here are all kind-hearted, cognizant of the struggles the elderly have undergone in their lifetimes, and hence, try their best to provide them the warmth they deserve.
At first glance, Xia Liyou spots Tang Juan sitting in a wheelchair in the middle of the yard.
Smiling cheerfully, she approaches and softly calls out, "Mother."
Tang Juan's momentary blank gaze gradually turns spirited as she turns to look at her radiant daughter.
"What are you lost in thought about?" Xia Liyou jests, her eyes squinting into slits whilst she raises her head to observe the sky, "Such a beautiful day today, no wonder mom is so engrossed."
Her playful demeanor was no different from before, making the corners of Tang Juan's mouth curve into a faint smile.
Reaching out, she gently caresses Xia Liyou's face, expressing her concern, "Dear girl, why have you lost weight again? Look at your face, you're all bones."
Xia Liyou playfully squints, sticking her tongue out at Tang Juan, "Because I miss mom. Besides, I think I look even prettier this way."
Tang Juan feels a jolt of pain as she sees Xia Liyou's carefree appearance. Unbeknownst to her naive daughter, she is bearing the weight of their family's debts, her small shoulders enduring the huge financial burden- a thought Tang Juan couldn't bear to dwell on.
Although Xia Liyou always greets her with a smile, the deep-seated melancholy in her eyes does not escape a mother's attentive gaze.
However, to not upset her daughter, Tang Juan pretends to remain oblivious to her plight.
"My daughter, of course, you're beautiful. But don't forget to eat properly. Being too skinny isn't good." Tang Juan gently advises, her trembling voice choking up.
Xia Liyou's heart clenches. After a few seconds of silence, she responds nonchalantly with a smile, "I understand. I'm eating well, don't worry. How about you, mom? Are you comfortable here?"
In reality, Xia Liyou had no desire to send Tang Juan here. She had been left with no other choice.
They no longer have a place to call home. Tang Juan's health is deteriorating and she needs someone to care for her, something Xia Liyou currently can't provide due to her limitations in time and resources.
Initially, Xia Liyou rented an apartment specifically for them. But she seldom returned home, almost always appearing exhausted. Tang Juan couldn't bear the sight of her struggling daughter.
Aware of being a burden, she decided to move into the care home voluntarily, so that Xia Liyou won't exhaust herself and her son, Xia Youyang, could move into his dorm, easing their load and teaching him to be independent.
Liyou is the most adorable girl Tang Juan has ever known, her daughter, whom she dearly loved. Yet, due to an unfortunate twist of fate, she had to bear the brunt of its repercussions. Tang Juan's heart filled with gratitude and pain, overwhelmed with guilt.
If they hadn't adopted her, she wouldn't have had to endure such hardship.
Seeing Tang Juan lose herself in thought, water gathering in her eyes, Xia Liyou's heart tightens. Hastily, she puts on a wide smile and reassures her, "Mom, I've recently accepted a movie role. The character is quite good, and so is the paycheck. So you don't have to worry about me. Your daughter's so pretty, it's guaranteed that I'll be famous soon. Then, I'll buy a mansion and bring you and my brother to live with me, okay?"
Tang Juan's smile is weak and pale, she responds softly, nodding her head, "Just don't overwork yourself, alright?"
Liyou wraps her arms around Tang Juan's waist, buries her head in her chest, and mumbles, "I know, mom. You don't have to worry about me."
As she speaks, her tears begin to flow, unstoppable like a dam broken loose.
She never wants to appear weak in front of Tang Juan. Yet, every time she embraces her, she can't help but shed tears.
A mother's embrace, so warm, is something she can't bear to let go of, akin to a safe harbor.
A sanctuary for her, a small boat tottering in the storm, offering steadfast reliance and safe haven.
Xia Liyou spends the entire afternoon by Tang Juan's side.
As she checks the time, she figures that her brother, Xia Youyang, should be done with school by now.
Today is Friday, typically on weekends, Xia Youyang faithfully comes to take care of Tang Juan, spending a couple of days with her.
As she wonders about his arrival, a crisp voice calls out, "Sister, mom."