The night was cold and quiet, with the occasional sound of firecrackers from afar. The small courtyard was in disarray after the feast, reflecting the shambles of the party's end.
There is no feast that does not come to an end, and next New Year's Eve, she probably wouldn't be celebrating with them.
Lu Tong squatted down, picking up the spilled wine jars and cups from the ground, along with the leftovers, throwing them into the slop bucket. She meticulously wiped the wooden table clean and moved it back to its original spot.
She then returned to the kitchen to tidy up the stove and wash the dishes from today.
She washed slowly, as if by doing so she could extend the New Year festivities a little longer. Finally, she brought over fresh water and, in the glow of the candlelight, splashed it over the courtyard's slate stones.
The slate stones, now washed, gleamed brightly, reflecting the moon above like rippling water.
