Keep Them Safe

The useful enough Bai Ye raised an eyebrow. Though before he could voice a protest to the arrangement, the kitchen door creaked open, and the conversation was cut short by the mother carrying dishes one by one into the living room. Fish, vegetables, porridge, nothing extravagant or delicately presented like Bai Ye's masterpieces, but obviously prepared with no less care for the family.

"I know a village meal like this must be too crude for your taste … but I hope you'll accept it as a humble thanks for saving our lives last night." Our hostess smiled as she laid down the last item, which was a big pot steaming with the aroma of chicken soup, at the center of the table.

"It's chicken?" The boy's eyes lit up before I could respond to his mother, all deals with our sleeping situation forgotten. "That's my favorite dish!" He turned to me and grinned. "Mommy made the best food just for you!"