14
Ying Yue sat in-front of her mother thanked her for the lunch. She took a piece from the lunch extending her fork towards her mother she asked her mom to open up the plane has to land, Yu Yan took the bite before giving Ying Yue her first bite too. As they began to eat quietly when Yu Yan broke the silence;
"Ying! Will you confide in me? Tell me the truth, is someone hurting you? Did something happened outside or in school?"
Yu Yan was worried even if liked this change in Ying Yue and was very happy that Ying Yue was opening up to her, thus was all very strange experience for her and she wanted to make sure that little Ying Yue was not forced into doing things she didn't like no matter how much it hurt her but she didn't want her daughter to do the bidding of others.
She wanted her daughter to grow up to be a powerful independent woman who is redoubtable. And she was willing to do all and everything she can to protect the apple of her eye till she becomes what she wants her to become.
Ying Yue drank her juice quickly, wiping her mouth clean. She pouted then got up and hugged her saying that she finally saw that what she wanted was already in-front of her eyes.
Yu Yan finally relaxed, she didn't knew herself that she was sitting tensed. Patting little Ying Yue's hair, she got up taking the dishes to the sink, all the while little Ying Yue attached to her hip like a little monkey.
Yu Yan laughed and told Ying that she can hug her when she has finished washing the dishes, since she is not going anywhere Ying Yue should spend more time playing with the kids of her age.
But the reply Ying Yue gave, caused Yu Yan to stop washing dishes mid-way.
"But Mom! I like clinging to you. I want to spend more time with you. I don't care about those bratty kids. And You no life has a funny habit of surprising people, and nothing is ever for certain".
Yu Yan turned off the tap. The last line was whispered slowly but Yu Yan was able to catch it and it she felt it deeply. Ying Yue's philosophy was too old for her age. She couldn't help herself as she pulled her little treasure in a tight hug.
Pulling back she patted Ying Yue and told her that she shouldn't worry they are both going to make beautiful memories that they will both cherish. She saw from the corner of her eyes how little Ying slowly extended her hand towards her in a pinky swear. Extending her own hand she made the pinky swear and saw a smile blossom on her daughter's face.
She turned back to washing dishes when a small hand on her dress stopped her. Facing Ying Yue again she asks what's the matter and was rewarded by a million-mega-watt smile and Ying Yue asking if she can help with the dishes. Laughing at her innocent request she gave her a towel to dry the dishes she was washing.
Ying Yue happily complied with her mother.
Even though Yu Yan tried to stop her from doing the chore because she knew that Ying Yue hated chores and any kind of household work and never did any of it. She tried to stop her;
"It's okay! Mommy can do this. You go do your homework and play. I will give you some spending-money go treat yourself to an ice-cream, you have been good".
But seeing her shake her head and saying she doesn't want that and to allow her to help her with a big smile sealed the deal and they both began to do the dishes while humming a tune and making soap bubbles.
Ying Yue wanted to help her mother because she noticed how her mother's hands were cracking due to stress and work.
Once the dishes were done and were stored away. Feeling mischievous she splashed some water on her mother before running away saying,
"Hahaha! I got you. You can't catch me."
Yu Yan surprised ran after her daughter's new impish streak. Catching her in her room, she lifted her and started to tickle her.
Ying Yue laughing badly raised her hands saying,
"I give! I give! No more! No more! I admit defeat in face of the mighty one".
Yu Yan stopped her tickling and put her under the covers before they both went to bed. Both seemed to be happy laying there with the stuffed white bunny in between them.