Gazing through the Window

Ming Hao's mind drifted to their childhood. Su Lan had always been the daring one among them, her laughter ringing louder than anyone else's. She had a knack for dragging him and Chen Wei into her schemes—climbing trees, chasing fireflies, sneaking extra snacks during festivals.

He remembered how she used to tease him, calling him "too serious for his own good." Yet, in her presence, he never felt the weight of expectations that often bore down on him.

Now, seeing her like this, he felt an ache he couldn't quite name. Her life had taken a turn neither of them could have predicted. She had married for love, and for a while, it seemed she had found happiness. But fate had been cruel.

Ming Hao clenched his fists, anger bubbling beneath his sorrow. He wanted to storm in, to promise her that she wouldn't have to face any of this alone. But he knew better. Su Lan wasn't the type to accept pity. She had always been fiercely independent, and he doubted that had changed.

Still, the urge to help her was overwhelming.

As if sensing his presence, Su Lan looked up and turned her head slightly toward the window. Ming Hao froze, his breath catching. She didn't see him, though; her gaze was distant, her thoughts elsewhere.

Ming Hao backed away, retreating into the shadows. He couldn't face her yet—not when he didn't know what to say or how to say it.

Turning back toward the path, he whispered to himself, "I'll find a way to help you, Su Lan. Somehow."

The night deepened, and as Ming Hao made his way home, the flickering glow of Su Lan's window remained etched in his mind.

...

The village had begun buzzing with whispers again—this time, about the arranged marriage between her and Chen Wei. It wasn't the first time such discussions had surfaced, but this time, it felt different. More real.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Li Jun entered the room, his expression soft but concerned. "Mei, you've been quiet all evening. Thinking about the marriage?"

She turned to face her brother, offering a faint smile. "Is it that obvious?"

Li Jun sat beside her, resting his elbows on his knees. "To me, it is. I know you, Mei. You don't say much, but your silence speaks volumes. What's on your mind?"

She hesitated, then sighed. "It's not that I dislike Chen Wei. I care for him deeply, but marriage is... it's not something I imagined like this. I want to decide my own future, Jun. Not have it decided for me."

Li Jun nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. But you know how things are here. The elders see this as the best option—for the families, for stability."

"But what about what I want?" she asked, her voice breaking slightly. "What if I want more than what the village expects of me? What if I want to keep the freedom I've worked so hard for?"

Li Jun leaned closer, his tone firm yet kind. "Then you'll have to find a way to balance both, Mei. If anyone can do that, it's you. You've always been stronger than you give yourself credit for."

Li Mei felt a warmth in his words, but before she could respond, Li Xia's voice drifted through the open window. "Strong? Mei? Don't encourage her, Jun. She's already living in her own little world."

Li Jun frowned, standing and walking to the door. "Li Xia, if you don't have anything useful to say, maybe stay out of it."

Li Xia entered the room anyway, arms crossed. "I'm just being practical. This marriage is a good match, Mei. Chen Wei's a catch—handsome, smart, and he's building something for himself in the city. Do you know how many girls here would love to be in your shoes?"

Li Mei's jaw tightened, but she kept her voice calm. "I'm not everyone else, Xia. And I don't want to marry just because it's convenient."

Li Xia rolled her eyes. "You're always so dramatic. Fine, don't listen to me. But when you're old and alone, don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, Li Xia flounced out of the room, leaving behind a tense silence.

Li Jun sighed, shaking his head. "Don't let her get to you. She doesn't understand, but that doesn't mean your feelings aren't valid."

Li Mei nodded, her heart heavy with gratitude and confusion. "Thanks, Jun. I just need time to figure things out."

She wasn't sure if marrying Chen Wei would bring her peace or if it was simply the next chapter in a life already written.

Later that night, as the house grew quiet, Li Mei stood by the window, the flute melody now replaced by the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. Her mind drifted to Chen Wei—his steady presence, his understanding eyes. Could she truly build a life with him, or would she lose herself in the process?

In another part of the village, Chen Wei sat at his desk, reviewing contracts for his business. His thoughts, however, kept drifting to Li Mei. He had always admired her strength, her quiet determination. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't fully at ease with the arrangement.

As the stars dotted the sky, both Li Mei and Chen Wei found themselves staring out their windows, lost in their thoughts about the future—a future that now hinged on choices neither of them had fully made.