Unlikely Allies (Li Mei and Su Lan)

The schoolyard of Xiaolong buzzed with the usual chaos of children's laughter and chatter. Li Mei, ten years old and freshly adjusting to the changes brought on by her blindness, sat alone on the edge of the playground. Her once-bold spirit felt dulled, weighed down by the whispers and stares of her peers.

"Hey, Li Mei! What's the point of sitting here if you can't even see the game?" a boy's voice jeered, his tone mocking. His words sent a ripple of laughter through a small group gathered nearby.

Li Mei clenched her fists, her heart aching more from the isolation than the taunts. She had tried to navigate her new reality with grace, but the cruelty of some classmates made it increasingly difficult.

Before she could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size, huh? Oh wait, even they'd probably beat you at dodgeball!"

The group turned to see a small but feisty girl storming toward them, her braids bouncing with each step. Her name was Su Lan, a newcomer to the school known for her quirky and gutsy style. Su Lan had a habit of saying exactly what was on her mind, and she wasn't one to back down from a fight—verbal or otherwise.

The boy sneered but shuffled away under Su Lan's glare. "Whatever," he muttered, trying to save face.

Su Lan turned to Li Mei, offering a hand to help her up. "You don't have to sit there and let them treat you like that," she said firmly, her tone equal parts encouragement and command.

Li Mei hesitated before taking Su Lan's hand. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft.

"Don't thank me," Su Lan said with a grin. "I can't stand bullies. Plus, you looked like you could use a friend."

For the first time in what felt like weeks, Li Mei smiled. Su Lan's energy was infectious, and her straightforward nature felt like a breath of fresh air.

The two girls quickly became inseparable. Su Lan was everything Li Mei wasn't—bold, impulsive, and fearless—but their differences only made their friendship stronger. Su Lan helped Li Mei find confidence in herself again, while Li Mei tempered Su Lan's recklessness with her quiet wisdom.

One sunny afternoon, as the two wandered over to the basketball court, they found themselves watching a group of boys playing an intense game. Among them was Ming Hao, Su Lan's crush from the moment she'd transferred to the school.

"Who's that?" Su Lan whispered to Li Mei, her voice tinged with awe.

"That's Ming Hao," Li Mei replied with a small smile. "He lives near my family's farm. He's kind. And… he's very good at basketball."

"I can see that," Su Lan said, her cheeks reddening. She suddenly grabbed Li Mei's hand. "Come on! Let's play."

Li Mei hesitated. "I don't think—"

"No excuses!" Su Lan insisted, dragging her onto the court. She called out to Ming Hao, who paused mid-dribble to look at them.

"Hey! Can we join?" Su Lan asked, her confidence unwavering.

Ming Hao smiled warmly. "Of course. Li Mei, you'll be on my team."

For the rest of the afternoon, Su Lan's laughter echoed across the court as she tried—and often failed—to keep up with Ming Hao's skillful plays. Meanwhile, Ming Hao guided Li Mei through the game with patience, making sure she felt included.

By the time the game ended, Li Mei felt lighter, her worries melting away under the warmth of friendship.

As they walked home together, Su Lan nudged Li Mei playfully. "I think I'm in love with Ming Hao."

Li Mei chuckled, a genuine laugh that felt like sunlight breaking through clouds. "You should tell him someday."

"Maybe," Su Lan replied with a mischievous grin. "But for now, I'll stick to being his best cheerleader—and yours."

From that day on, the trio became inseparable, with Su Lan's fiery personality and Ming Hao's steady kindness filling Li Mei's world with light she thought she had lost.