Choices and Consequences

When Silence Breaks

Time did not heal the world.

It taught it how to endure.

Three years passed.

They did not pass gently.

The scars of war remained etched across the land long after the armies disappeared beyond the horizon. Villages rebuilt their walls but not their confidence. Burned forests sprouted new growth, yet the blackened skeletons of ancient trees still stood among the saplings like ghosts refusing to leave.

Even here, hidden deep within the northern valleys, memory lingered.

Old Master Wei's estate sat nestled between two mountain ridges, sheltered by dense pine forests, and fed by a crystal stream that descended from the peaks above. Once, long ago, it had been a prosperous family residence. Though age had weathered its stone walls and dark cedar beams, it retained a quiet dignity.

The outer walls enclosed several courtyards connected by covered walkways. Moss grew between the flagstones. Wind chimes hung beneath the eaves, singing softly whenever the mountain breeze wandered through the valley.

At the centre stood a centuries-old plum tree.

In winter, its dark branches stretched across the courtyard like ink strokes against snow. In spring, blossoms transformed it into a cloud of pale pink.

It had become Su Su's favourite place.

This morning, she sat beneath it, wrapped in a thick wool cloak far too large for her small frame.

She was trying very seriously to feed three sparrows.

The sparrows appeared equally determined not to cooperate.

"You are supposed to come closer," she informed them.

One tilted its head.

The others ignored her entirely.

Su Su sighed dramatically.

"You are being difficult."

From the covered walkway, Nainai laughed softly.

"Perhaps they're afraid of you."

Su Su lookedhorrified

"Why would they be afraid of me?"

Nainai knelt beside her and brushed a stray lock of dark hair behind her ear.

"Because you stare at them like you're negotiating a treaty."

The child considered this.

Then nodded solemnly.

"That makes sense."

Nainai bit back another laugh.

At three years old, Tang Su Su Yuyan possessed an earnestness that made even the simplest conversations feel important.

She was quiet by nature, thoughtful in a way children rarely were. Sometimes Nainai would find her sitting beside the stream for an hour, watching water flow over stones as though studying a mystery only she could see.

Other times she would ask questions that left adults struggling for answers.

Where do stars go during the day?

Why do people cry when someone becomes part of heaven?

Does fire remember what it burns?

The last question had silenced the entire dinner table.

Mojing had nearly dropped his bowl.

Old Master Wei had stared into his tea for several moments before answering.