A Mother's Return.
Jian Yiling was still a distance from the house when she heard the faint cries of her children carried on the wind. Her heart clenched, and she quickened her pace, the heavy basket on her back jolting with every step. Panic crept in—why were they crying?
Then her sharp ears picked up something else. A low, rustling noise coming from the bushes near the house. Yiling froze, crouching instinctively as she scanned the area. The mountains were not only home to herbs and vegetables but also to dangers—wild boars, foxes, and sometimes bandits desperate enough to steal from anyone.
Quietly setting down the basket, she reached for the small hunting knife hidden in her sleeve. She crept closer, her body tense.
As she parted the foliage, her breath caught. Tracks—deep hoof marks in the soft dirt—led toward her house, along with a broken trail of branches. Wild boar. Recently here. Her pulse quickened.
Quickly calculating, she decided. The boar would've sensed her presence already and likely retreated into the woods. Still, I can't take any chances.
She hurried the rest of the way to the house, anxiety fueling her speed.
When she burst into the yard, the sight of her children crying in each other's arms broke her heart even further. They looked up at the sound of her steps.
"Mama!" Yun'er cried, breaking free from Zhi to run to her.
Yiling dropped the knife and caught her in a fierce hug. Zhi was right behind, gripping her skirt with trembling fingers.