I followed Zhao Yin all the way across the courtyard.
Usually, she was a lively little girl who could never stay still for more than a few moments, but today she walked quietly with her head lowered.
Every few steps, she would glance back at me as though she was afraid I might suddenly disappear.
The more I watched her, the more I realized that whatever had happened had truly frightened her.
Finally, she stopped in front of a small room.
"This is Sister's room."
Her voice was much softer than usual.
She reached out and gently pushed the door open.
The room was quiet.
Sunlight filtered through the wooden window and fell across the floor.
Beside the window sat Zhao Yue.
Her hands rested quietly on her lap, and her head was lowered as she stared blankly outside.
The cheerful smile that was always on her face had completely disappeared.
Her eyes were slightly swollen and red, as though she had been trying very hard not to cry.
