TESTING BODY LIMITATIONS

That night as Li Hua settled onto the bed, still marveling at how this small body fit perfectly between her brothers, a small smile crept onto her face as she thought about her family's reactions when her father had arrived home.

Her mother—who was usually so composed and steady—had burst into tears, gentle hands frantically checking Li Hua for injuries while whispering gentle words of comfort and love to soothe her daughter's spirit. Her father had refused to leave her side, his weathered hands never far from her shoulder, as if afraid she might vanish if he looked away. Her brothers, usually so boisterous and competitive, had worked together in uncharacteristic harmony, taking turns serving her the biggest pieces of meat from their dinner, their eyes watching carefully to ensure she ate enough.