An Ning's simple reassurance allowed Anna's anxious heart to finally settle, just a little.
An Ning bent down, extended her hand, and took the boy's small hand in hers.
The instant their hands touched, the boy's eyes moved. It was only a slight flicker, but Anna saw a glimmer of hope.
"Hmm?" Anna covered her mouth, not daring to make a sound for fear of disturbing what An Ning was doing.
"Don't worry. You got here in time."
An Ning held the boy's hand, her voice taking on a uniquely rhythmic cadence.
"Come with me, come with me, come with me."
The boy moved.
An Ning gently turned her wheelchair, and, holding the boy's hand, slowly entered the courtyard.
Lin Cuihua, An Sancheng, and Master Tang, who had come out after hearing the knock, froze in place when they saw An Ning make a hushing gesture, not daring to interfere.
Lin Cuihua, in particular, recognized Anna and her son—the same mother and son from the train who had given her a crash course in the existence of ghosts.
