The Echo of Forgotten Dreams

The Weight of Survival

Christmas had passed, and as the new school term approached, the cold lingered. Though Wei Wuxian was recovering from his ordeal in the snow, the Lan brothers had both noticed something troubling: Wei Wuxian was thinner. He had always been lean, but over the holidays, he seemed to grow even skinnier, his frame becoming almost fragile.

The morning after they had found him, Lan Xichen had insisted on preparing a warm bath for him. "It'll help with the chills and ease your muscles," he said as he guided Wei Wuxian toward the bathroom.

Lan Wangji, ever practical, had made sure the bath wasn't too hot, knowing how cold Wei Wuxian's body still was. "You don't want to shock your system."

As Wei Wuxian lowered himself into the water, he let out a soft sigh of relief. The warmth enveloped him, loosening the tightness in his limbs and slowly driving away the lingering cold. His bones ached, but the soothing water helped ease the tension. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax fully for what felt like the first time in weeks.

Afterward, as Wei Wuxian emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel, Lan Xichen handed him a set of clean, warm clothes. "You'll feel better after some rest and food."

Wei Wuxian nodded, still too tired to respond with his usual energy. He hadn't eaten much since the night they found him, and both brothers had grown concerned. Lan Wangji, in particular, had observed the changes with a watchful eye.

Over the next few days, they made sure he was comfortable, offering him hot meals and encouraging him to eat. But Wei Wuxian, while grateful, ate slowly, almost cautiously. He always finished his plate, but it was as if he was calculating how long the food would last, a habit likely born from years of uncertainty about where his next meal would come from.

When school started again, Lan Xichen kept a close eye on him. He couldn't help but notice that during the lunch breaks, Wei Wuxian always piled his tray high with food—more than most students would even think to eat in one sitting. He would sit by himself, at the edge of the cafeteria, and eat quickly, head down, as if guarding his food. His movements were quick, his eyes constantly scanning the room as if afraid someone might take it from him.

It broke Lan Xichen's heart to watch. He had seen this behavior in students before—children who came from poverty or unstable living situations, who never knew when they would eat again. But seeing it in Wei Wuxian, the boy who seemed so vibrant and carefree in class, was jarring.

One afternoon, after observing Wei Wuxian rush through his breakfast at the school cafeteria, Lan Xichen pulled him aside gently. "Wei Wuxian, I've noticed something. You always seem to be in a hurry when you're eating."

Wei Wuxian stiffened slightly but forced a smile. "Ah, it's just a habit. Gotta be quick when there's so much to do."

Lan Xichen wasn't convinced. "You're not in any rush here. You can take your time, especially with meals. Is everything... alright?"

Wei Wuxian looked away, his fingers twitching nervously at his side. "Yeah, everything's fine. It's just... old habits, I guess."

Lan Xichen didn't push further but made a mental note to speak to Lan Wangji about it. Later that evening, as they sat in the living room, he broached the subject.

"Wangji, I've noticed something about Wei Wuxian. Have you seen the way he eats? It's... rushed, almost like he's afraid someone will take the food away."

Lan Wangji's expression darkened slightly. "I've seen it too. He eats quickly, even at home, as though every meal might be his last."

Lan Xichen nodded, his mind racing with concern. "And his weight... he's lost more since Christmas. He's not unhealthy, but he's so thin. I wonder if he's been skipping meals outside of school."

Lan Wangji frowned, deep in thought. "It makes sense. If he's been living on the streets or in shelters, food may not have been consistent. He's probably used to guarding his meals or not knowing when his next one will be."

"We need to do something," Lan Xichen said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "Wei Wuxian is trying so hard to stay strong, but I don't think he'll ask for help. He's used to surviving alone."

Lan Wangji nodded in agreement. "We can't let him continue like this. He needs to know he has a home here."

The next morning, as Wei Wuxian hurriedly grabbed his coat and bag for school, Lan Wangji gently stopped him at the door. "Wei Wuxian, you don't need to rush. Have breakfast with us first."

Wei Wuxian hesitated, looking at the time. "I—uh, I don't want to be late."

"You won't be," Lan Wangji said softly, guiding him back toward the kitchen where Lan Xichen was setting out a hearty breakfast. "There's plenty of time. And plenty of food."

Wei Wuxian sat down, a little awkward but touched by the gesture. As they ate, he tried to slow down, but his instinct was still to eat quickly, as though afraid the meal might disappear. Lan Xichen noticed and smiled reassuringly.

"You don't have to worry, Wei Wuxian. There's always more if you need it. You're not going to go hungry here."

Wei Wuxian looked between the two brothers, his chest tightening with emotion he wasn't sure how to process. For so long, he had been on his own, always watching over his shoulder, always counting every bite of food he could get. But now, here, with Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, things felt... different. Safe.

"Thank you," Wei Wuxian said quietly, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "For everything."

Lan Xichen smiled warmly, while Lan Wangji gave a subtle nod. "You're family now, Wei Wuxian," Lan Wangji said softly. "You don't have to survive alone anymore."

As the warmth of the morning sun filtered through the kitchen window, Wei Wuxian felt something he hadn't in a long time: hope. He wasn't just surviving anymore. He was beginning to live.