Su Wanyan, Mo Xingxue, and the children stepped off the bus into the warm pre-afternoon light. The sudden brightness made Su Wanyan lower her head almost instinctively.
Her severe astigmatism and the glasses she wore had not yet adjusted to the open sky after the dim interior of the bus. Damn, my eyes still haven't settled, she thought, glancing down at the peaceful face of Mo Yan nestled against her chest.
Mo Xingxue noticed the small, protective movement at once. Still carrying Shen Guoxing securely in one arm, she moved closer and raised her free hand to shield the corner of Su Wanyan's eyes from the direct sun. Shen Guoxing, watching carefully, immediately copied the gesture and covered the other side with her small palm.
Mo Xingxue looked at the girl and found a smug little expression waiting for her. She chuckled softly and turned her attention back to Su Wanyan. "You okay?" she asked, noticing that Su Wanyan was still wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand.
