Silent and lonely world (Dark clouds before sunny weather - Book 1)

Chapter 32

Mo Xuanyu was changing his clothes as he had been told to and he was shaking his head all the while slightly, still not able to understand what had just happened. He had actually just told his teacher that he wanted something! He knew very well that he was not supposed to do that, he should only listen to what others tell him, not talk himself. But when he had seen A-Yuan's eyes on himself, begging for him to agree to going to the park, something have changed in him, suddenly, he had enough courage to actually speak, not only to his teacher but, but most importantly to A-Yuan.

If he had done this in the presence of his aunt and uncle, he would have already been beaten harshly, however, the only thing that his teacher had done was to praise him. Mo Xuanyu did not think he deserved it, not even talking about being called a good boy when he was the farthest from that he could be. Still, he was not about to complain. It felt extremely good to be praised by his teacher, be it at school or in his home, just like yesterday.

And even more than the praise, his heart warmed because of A-Yuan's bright smile. It was clear that his friend was happy for whatever reason that was to hear that Mo Xuanyu wanted to come to the park with him. He almost seemed just as enthusiastic as when he had invited Mo Xuanyu to his birthday party.

Now that Mo Xuanyu was thinking about it, the party seemed so long ago, even though he knew perfectly well that it had taken place just the day before. It was just that too many things had happened in the short time frame since then, one more surprising and shocking than the other. Of course he knew his teacher was nice at school but somehow it did not occur to him that he would be like that even at his home.

Until now, he had been convinced that all the parents were strict and shouting at some point and the children at school were just not talking about it, just as he himself had never as much as mentioned how his aunt, uncle and cousin were treating him at home. Seeing that apparently not everyone was the same made Mo Xuanyu feel both relieved and sad. He was glad that the other children, or at least A-Yuan and A-Yi did not know any pain from their parents' hands. On the other hand however, he could not help to be just a little bit disappointed and sad by the fact that he himself would never get to experience such kindness, tenderness and love in his own family. But it was fine in the end, he should be happy with what he had.

It was still nice to get to know that there was at least one person who treated him nicely; no, that was not right, his teacher's whole family had been nothing but kind to him. Being told that he could say what he wanted, being kissed goodnight on his forehead, hugged or having his hand held when he felt particularly lonely, not even talking about not being beaten for anything he did wrong and not having harsh words and scolding thrown his way every time someone else opened their mouth; those were all things no one had ever done for him before.

He could not even start to imagine how he could show his gratitude to his teacher's family for those. He did not think he would actually be able to thank them enough for everything they did for him, not ever. It could be that for them, those were just small things they did not even think properly about before doing, but to Mo Xuanyu, they meant the world.

He did not even notice he was crying until one drop landed on the naked skin of his hand. This actually started a whole flood to come out of his eyes and he could not stop the tears anymore. He was completely overwhelmed.

He did not know how long he had spent, standing in the middle of the room, clutching the hem or his long-sleeved T-shirt, and crying.

He only came to the present moment when his teacher's voice asked him, calling probably from downstairs: "A-Yu, are you ready to go?"

He made a few last hiccups before he managed to calm himself, wiping at his eyes with his hand. Then he smiled and called back, his usual stutter all but forgotten because his teacher would not mind him shouting in response to his question: "I am coming!"

When he came downstairs, everyone was already waiting for him with a smile and Mo Xuanyu had never been happier. When he came to them, his teacher ruffled his hair and smiled even brighter at him, something he would usually not do at school.

Mo Xuanyu noticed that his teacher's husband was holding something in his hands only when the adult had outstretched them and prompted: "A-Yu, take your medicine now. It would help you to feel better and not be in pain."

Mo Xuanyu was staring open-eyed at a pill and a glass of water that his teacher's husband was giving him. He did not think twice and took them from his hands with a grateful: "Thank you."

Although he had never taken medicine himself, he had seen it done by his aunt or uncle on numerous occasions. So he plopped the pill into his mouth – it was actually sweet he realized – and immediately drank all the water to help him swallow. His teacher's husband gave him a satisfied nod and took the empty glass from his hand.

They were now finally ready to go and Mo Xuanyu could hardly wait to be in the park already. He remembered his teacher telling him before the hospital visit that they would go back to the playground but he had not thought that it would be this early. Then again, he was not about to complain. He was looking forward to it very much actually.

They all got inside the car, his teacher saying something like that he should not be moving around too much still. Mo Xuanyu was sitting in the middle seat on the back row, right between A-Yuan and A-Yi. Both boys were smiling and A-Yuan took hold of his hand, squeezing it lightly. Mo Xuanyu looked at him and squeezed back. He liked having A-Yuan around. He thought, no matter how presumptuous of him it was, that they could perhaps even become friends in the future.

For now however, he would get to play again together with A-Yuan and A-Yi which had already become one of the things he enjoyed the most, even though they were not friends just yet. Perhaps A-Yi would teach him, just how he had done yesterday. Yes, today could not get any better, Mo Xuanyu decided on the spot, smiling.

He wanted to forget about the past right now and to thoroughly enjoy the present. As for the future, he would just worry about it at another time. A happy smile bloomed on his lips.

I chose to end the story here, at a nice enough moment when Mo Xuanyu is finally coming out of his shell. Thank you all for staying with me until now, throughout the whole fic! It was very encouraging to have your support. If you feel like it, I would be glad to hear your thoughts on it.For those who are interested, I am planning to write a continuation where Mo Xuanyu will experience some more fluff and gentle care. He will find his true family and he will be officially adopted.