The first month of the year had quietly passed, and all the lotus roots in the lake had been dug up. It was just too cold; people could no longer withstand the freezing temperatures to continue, so they were all dug up ahead of time.
A portion was kept for personal use, and some lotus root powder was made for consumption at home.
Come February, with the New Year fast approaching, the plan was to take the kids back to the orphanage to visit the Base Commander and the children, bringing some New Year's food for them.
They arrived at the transit station early in the morning to wait for the bus, which ran twice a day with the latest departure at two in the afternoon. Any later than that, and the return trip would be too late, with the sky already dark.
