Home Sweet Home
Jian Yiling's return to their small, ramshackle home was greeted with squeals of delight from Little Zhi and Yun'er. Their excitement bubbled over when they caught sight of the bags of grain, a tin of cooking oil, and even a handful of rock sugar wrapped in paper that Uncle Wang had included as a bonus.
"You brought so much food!" Yun'er exclaimed, her eyes widening as she peeked into the bag.
Jian Yiling placed the goods on their low wooden table and stretched her sore shoulders. "This is only the start, Yun'er. If we work hard, there will be more days like this. Now, how about we celebrate with something extra delicious tonight?"
"Yes!" the children cheered in unison.
She smiled and rolled up her sleeves. "Alright, then help me. Zhi'er, fetch firewood from the pile. Yun'er, help wash the wild vegetables we picked yesterday."
While the children eagerly busied themselves, Jian Yiling set to work with practiced efficiency. She started by cutting thin slices of the smoked pork belly, the aroma wafting through the small house and making the children's mouths water. She stir-fried the pork in their well-worn iron pan, letting the rich fat sizzle before adding chopped green onions and garlic.
Next, she mixed the fresh wild greens with a dash of oil and salt, tossing them quickly over the heat to keep their crispness. In another pot, she simmered a small portion of rice into a thick, comforting porridge, seasoning it with a pinch of salt and sugar for a special treat.
Finally, she reached for the handful of rock sugar and created a light syrup, which she poured over roasted sweet potato chunks as a dessert.
"Mama, what smells so good?" Yun'er peeked into the kitchen, sniffing the air like a hungry kitten.
"Everything," Jian Yiling said with a playful wink, balancing the steaming plates and bowls. She set them carefully on the table. "Alright, it's ready. Come eat!"
The children scrambled onto the wooden stools, their eyes shining as they stared at the spread before them. It was the most appetizing meal they'd had in weeks.
Yun'er dug into her portion of rice porridge, humming happily after the first bite. "It's so soft and sweet! It melts in my mouth!"
Little Zhi, meanwhile, picked up a piece of stir-fried pork and chewed slowly, savoring the richness. "Mama, how did you make this taste so good?"
Jian Yiling grinned at their reactions, a warmth filling her chest. "It's not just about the food, Zhi'er. It's about knowing how to use what you have."
"I want to learn!" Yun'er piped up between bites.
"Me too," Zhi added. "Then we can help, and you don't have to work so hard."
Yiling paused, her chopsticks hovering in midair. Her heart swelled with pride. "Good. Someday, both of you will be skilled at taking care of yourselves and each other. But for now, focus on growing strong and learning everything you can. You'll need it when the world gets bigger."
Little Zhi puffed out his chest. "I'll become so strong that no one will ever bully us again! And I'll work hard so Mama can eat meat every day!"
"And I'll be so smart that I can make all of Mama's aches and pains go away!" Yun'er said, her tone brimming with determination.
Yiling laughed softly, but there was a gleam of pride in her eyes. "I believe you two can do anything. But remember, we do it together. That's what makes us strong."
The three of them sat in their little home, warmed by the fire and the hearty meal. Laughter filled the air as the children chattered about their dreams. For the first time in a long while, Jian Yiling felt a fragile, hopeful peace—a glimpse of the family they could become.