The moon cast a cool, silvery glow over the pawnshop, and a gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the old trees. Wei and Mei sat together on the stone steps outside the house, savoring a peaceful moment before the world, with all its strange dealings, called them back.
"Wei," Mei began softly, watching the horizon, "have you thought about what you want to do once school is over?"
Wei shrugged, picking at a blade of grass. "Honestly? Not really. I've spent so much time just trying to get by, I haven't thought much about the future." He paused, his gaze drifting toward the dusty path that led back to town. "Maybe… go back home, help my family. Do something practical."
"Practical?" Mei repeated with a smirk. "That doesn't sound like you."
