Han Luoli was thrown into a panic by Gu Xiaoer's sudden sobbing. She put down the porridge and held the little one's face with extra tenderness, "Baby, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
"Wu wu…" Gu Xiaoer nodded vigorously, "It hurts so much, Da Luoluo, it hurts here…"
She pointed to her chest through the blanket. The pain there was so sharp; it was the wrenching pain of fearing his departure, the dull ache of being moved by him, the raw pain of being helplessly immersed.
Perhaps feeling empathy, Han Luoli quickly understood the meaning behind Gu Xiaoer's words, and fished her out from under the covers, holding her in his arms.
He hugged her very tightly, very firmly.
Gu Xiaoer also wrapped her arms tightly around him, responding to his embrace. His hug felt so solid and substantial, so full of life and strength.
His lips landed on her cheek, kissing away the salty tears and swallowing them completely.
"My woman can only shed tears of joy, understand?"
