The morning sunlight poured gently through the lace curtains, touching Meilin's face with a warmth she had not felt in years.
Today felt different quieter, calmer. Xiaoya's laughter echoed through the house as she ran about with her hair in tiny braids, her father trying his best to catch her.
Daddy! You can't catch me! she squealed.
Jiang Rui chuckled, the sound low and deep one that Meilin had forgotten could exist in her home. He glanced toward Meilin, who was standing by the doorway, holding a small basket.
We're ready, she said softly. Let's go.
The three of them walked together for the first time in years.
The car ride was peaceful. Xiaoya hummed songs she'd learned in school, and Jiang Rui drove without his usual silence, occasionally glancing in the mirror to watch his daughter smile.
Meilin sat in the passenger seat, her heart aching and healing all at once.
When they arrived, Xiaoya jumped out first.
The garden looked exactly as Meilin remembered the stone bridge, the old cherry trees, and the small pond where koi swam lazily. But the air felt different now, alive with forgotten memories.
"This place…Meilin whispered, touching one of the cherry blossoms. We came here once before, didn't we?
Jiang Rui paused beside her. You remembered.
A soft breeze stirred between them.
Six years ago, before everything fell apart, they had come to this very garden to take a family picture Xiaoya had just learned to walk. Meilin had been too busy to smile that day.
But now…
Now she couldn't stop smiling.
Xiaoya ran ahead, her laughter ringing like bells. Meilin followed, watching her daughter pluck wildflowers and hum softly.
Rui, Meilin said suddenly, turning to face him. "That day we came here before… you told me something, didn't you?
He looked surprised but nodded. I said that even if the flowers wither, I'd wait for the next spring.
Her eyes trembled. And I never answered you.
For a long moment, silence settled between them heavy but full of unspoken words.
Then, Meilin took a step closer. I remember now, she said. And this time… I want to keep that promise.
Jiang Rui looked at her for a long while his usually calm eyes filled with something she hadn't seen in years: warmth.
Just then, Xiaoya ran up with a bunch of flowers clutched in her tiny hands. Mommy! Daddy! Let's take a picture again!
Meilin and Jiang Rui both smiled.
And as the wind carried the petals through the air, Meilin realized that the garden hadn't forgotten their promise it had only been waiting for them to return.
End of Chapter 4
Watch out for Chapter
5 A Past That Refuses to Stay Buried