Suo'er dragged her weary body back into the house, her soaked clothes clinging to her, bringing waves of cold. She changed into dry clothes, sat by the window, and gazed at the still-drizzling rain outside. Her thoughts drifted back to that day—Qingmu's departure.
It was a bright autumn morning, the air filled with the fragrance of osmanthus. Qingmu packed his bag and said to Suo'er, "I need to go to the mountains to find some herbs." Qingmu was a herbalist, well-versed in the properties of various herbs, often venturing into the mountains to gather them.
Suo'er asked with some unease, "When will you be back?"
Qingmu smiled, gently caressing her cheek, "Soon, in three days at most. I'll bring back the flowers you like."
Suo'er nodded, a vague sense of worry lingering, but she knew Qingmu's decision couldn't be changed. She watched him leave, silently praying for his safe return.
However, that departure became their last goodbye. Three days, five days, ten days—Qingmu never returned. Suo'er searched everywhere, asked the mountain villagers, but there was no news. People said that the mountain was known for its eerie legends; not everyone who entered could come out.
Suo'er refused to believe the tales and persisted in her search, hoping to find traces of Qingmu. But as time passed, her hope faded. She had to accept the harsh reality—Qingmu might be gone forever.
Days passed in loneliness and longing, her heart growing numb. She poured all her energy into her weaving work, trying to drown her pain in busyness. But every night, loneliness and sorrow surged like a tide, overwhelming her.
She often sat by the window, reminiscing about her time with Qingmu. Those sweet moments seemed like yesterday, yet also felt like a lifetime ago. She remembered his smile, his warm embrace, and his whispered promises.
"Suo'er, I will protect you, in life and death." Qingmu had said. She believed it, believed his soul was still somewhere, watching over her.
Late at night, Suo'er closed the window with a sigh. She knew she couldn't drown in the past and had to keep living. She lay down, closed her eyes, and silently prayed for Qingmu's soul to hear her call and return.
As the night deepened, the rain continued outside, lulling her into sleep. In her dream, she saw Qingmu standing in the distance, smiling and beckoning.
To be continued