The snow fell all night. It let up after midnight but didn't stop completely until after three in the morning.
As soon as the snow stopped, Zhao Jun got up from the heated brick bed. In truth, he had barely slept all night.
Zhao Jun put on his padded jacket, slipped on his cotton shoes, and saw Wang Meilan sitting by the stove in a daze the moment he left his room.
Zhao Jun's heart clenched. He rushed to help Wang Meilan up. "Mom, why aren't you sleeping?"
Wang Meilan sighed. "I can't sleep."
"Go lie down for a bit, Mom. I'll head up the mountain to take a look as soon as it's light."
Wang Meilan nodded, but then it dawned on her. "Son, it's not even light out. What are you doing up so early?"
"I'm going to go sweep the snow." Zhao Jun led Wang Meilan back inside. "Come on, Mom, get some sleep. You've been up all night."
After settling Wang Meilan down, Zhao Jun went outside and began sweeping the snow in the courtyard by the light of the moon.
