WHEN WE WEREN'T TOGETHER

Two hours of stretching later, all three siblings lay on the polished floor of the training room, their heads touching to form a triangle as they caught their breath. The evening air carried the lingering warmth of their exercise, and for a moment, no one spoke. Even Li Hao's usual boundless energy had been tempered by the unfamiliar poses.

"Do you think," Li Hao broke the comfortable silence, his voice unusually soft, "Māmā and Bàba are doing ok?"

Li Wei stared up at the ceiling, his tone holding none of its usual analysis. "They are strong and brilliant. I think Māmā and Bàba are doing...fine."