In the afternoon, the old-fashioned door swung open with a slight creaking sound and then shut.
After removing her shoes, the girl's toes, clad in black socks, pressed against the floor, leaving behind faint traces of mist before she switched to a pair of light and breathable sandals and walked inside the house.
"Hexia's here," hearing the movement in the living room, Grandma He, who was pruning the plants in the flowerpot on the balcony, saw the familiar figure down below.
"I'm back. The shop needed some renovations this afternoon, so they let us out early," the girl said.
She opened the fridge, placing the fruit box, drinks, and a few snacks that she was carrying inside, then closed it and made her way to the balcony.
Although this was underground, the residential area's top was fitted with bright day-light lamps that would slowly dim and turn off by evening.
"I'll help with the pruning too," she bent down to look at Grandma He, who was carefully trimming the pot plant.
