"Yes, I'll remember that. I'm heading to the private school now."
Li Cun hurried out the door, but his steps slowed as he approached the mouth of the alley.
At this time of day, the alley entrance was already empty.
The neighborhood aunties had all gone home to prepare lunch. The alley entrance was so clean that only fine dust motes could be seen, floating gently in the sunlight.
Li Cun's heart was just like that dust in the sunlight—drifting up and down, unsettled, with nowhere to land.
That evening, Li Cun returned home early.
He was back a quarter of an hour earlier than usual. At this time, Mr. Li was still in the kitchen making dinner.
Seeing her son return ahead of schedule, she was quite surprised. She glanced at the still-bright sky outside and asked, "How come you're back so early?"
