She turned the motorcycle into the familiar courtyard.
Several people looked up.
A few smiled.
Someone called their names.
Bai Li raised one hand.
The Ninja 400 rolled to its usual stopping place.
The engine gave a final low growl.
Bai Li switched it off.
Silence settled over the courtyard.
For a moment, she simply sat there.
Then she looked at Yan Cijin.
Yan Cijin looked back.
They were both tired.
Both dirty.
Both carrying wounds that needed attention.
But they were home.
Before they entered the final road, Bai Li slowed once more.
A loose strap had come free from one of the bags attached to the
motorcycle.
Yan Cijin noticed it immediately.
"Stop for a second."
Bai Li pulled over.
Yan Cijin reached down and fixed the strap carefully.
Bai Li watched her.
"You could have waited until we got home."
"Then the bag might fall."
"It wouldn't."
"Maybe."
Yan Cijin tightened the knot.
Then she looked up.
"There."
Bai Li nodded.
"Thanks."
