I stayed where I was, still in his arms, still looking out into the rain as it hammered down over the yard.
The water was already pooling on the ground, running in the uneven lines across the ground. But it was only going to get worse before it stopped. In my last life, it took a full day and a night before it stopped.
Chenghai didn't move away and he didn't loosen his hold on me either.
He stayed exactly where he was, steady and warm against my back, like nothing outside mattered as long as I was still standing.
I let a few seconds pass. Since I didn't know the answer to the questions in my head, I might as well get his opinion.
I opened my mouth. "Would you suffer now," I asked quietly, my eyes still on the yard, "if it meant becoming stronger later, or would you be content to stay as you are and never reach your full potential?"
He didn't answer right away.
