The sun was setting in the west.
Carrying the newly distributed rations, Jin Hao stepped onto the scorching outdoor tiles of the Gated Community.
He entered the stairwell and climbed all the way to the top floor.
He used his key to open the door.
"Mom, honey, I'm home."
Jin Hao placed the black bag in his hand on the shoe cabinet.
The faint smell of medicine filled the living room.
The walls and windows were still adorned with "double happiness" characters, not yet removed since their wedding.
The windows of the living room balcony were wide open, and a warm cross-breeze blew from the balcony, through the living room, and into the kitchen.
The home's layout was clean and tidy. A bed had replaced the living room sofa. An elderly woman with a wrinkled face sat on a small stool, fanning the woman lying on the bed with a cattail fan as they spoke softly to each other.
Hearing the door open, the old woman stopped and craned her neck to look toward the entryway.
