Beneath Silent Stars

The cool evening breeze carried the scent of damp earth as Li Mei stood by the window of her pottery shop, looking out over the soft purple hue over the sky, and the stars twinkling above the village of Xiaolong. She stood still, her hands resting on the windowsill, the feeling of the cool wood beneath her fingertips grounding her.

She had spent the entire day working in the shop, her hands shaping clay into smooth, intricate forms that seemed to take on a life of their own. The rhythm of her work was familiar, comforting—almost like a silent conversation between her and the earth she had learned to navigate after losing her sight.

Tonight, however, she wasn't working on just any pottery. She had started a new consignment for Master Zhou, a respected art collector in the city who had taken a particular interest in her work. The pieces she was crafting were more delicate than usual—elaborate, finely detailed vases with subtle carvings that represented nature's resilience. It was a new venture for her, moving beyond the simple utilitarian pieces she usually made for the villagers. These had to be perfect, not just for her own pride but to meet Master Zhou's demanding standards.

Yet, despite the solace her pottery gave her, her mind was restless.

Chen Wei's words echoed in her thoughts. The sincerity in his eyes had affected her in ways she hadn't expected. But Li Mei remained hesitant, unsure if she was ready to share all that she had built with him.

Her independence was her strength, and letting someone into that—truly letting them in—felt like a risk she wasn't prepared to take.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She turned, knowing exactly who it was before the door even opened.

Ming Hao entered, his usual carefree demeanor evident in his wide smile. "Hey, Li Mei. I was passing by and thought I'd stop in," he said, his voice light. He leaned against the doorframe, his gaze scanning the shop, taking in the familiar sights of the clay sculptures that adorned the shelves.

"Busy as always," Ming Hao continued, looking at the pieces she was working on. "Those look more intricate than usual."

Li Mei gave him a small smile. "Just a few new designs I've been trying recently for a while actually."

Ming Hao didn't press further, as he knew she valued her privacy. There were few rumors about her success in the city, but Ming Hao never quite understood the full extent of her work. He just knew that she was talented and had something big going on outside of the village, something that she never openly discussed.

As they sat down on the small wooden bench, Ming Hao's thoughts shifted to Su Lan. He couldn't shake the worry that had settled in his heart ever since he had heard about her husband's death. Su Lan had always been full of life, someone he could laugh with and rely on, but now? The thought of her, pregnant and alone, weighed heavily on him.

"I've been meaning to check in on Su Lan," Ming Hao said, his tone quieter than before. "I heard she's still... struggling." He paused, unsure of how to continue. "It's hard, you know? We used to laugh, run around, play by the willow tree..." His voice trailed off, lost in the past.

Li Mei nodded, understanding the depth of his words. "I know. It's hard for all of us, especially with the baby coming. But Su Lan is strong. She'll make it through."

Ming Hao sighed, his eyes distant. "I hope so. It's just... life changes so quickly, doesn't it? One moment, everything's good, and the next... well, you're just left trying to piece it all together."

Li Mei didn't respond immediately. She could feel the weight of his words, how they mirrored her own uncertainties. Life had changed for her too. The village, the work, her family—everything she had built, everything she had become, it was all hers. But at what cost?

Just as they sat there in the stillness of the room, the sound of footsteps approached the door. Li Mei's senses heightened, and she could tell it was Chen Wei's familiar presence. The door creaked open, and Chen Wei entered, his gaze flickering between the two of them.

Li Mei smiled faintly at him. "Ming Hao stopped by. We were just talking."

Ming Hao stood up, giving Chen Wei a friendly nod. "Anyway, I'm glad you're doing okay. I just wanted to stop by and see you. I'll leave you two to talk. But remember, Mei, one step at a time," he said, offering her a small smile before stepping outside.

Li Mei gave him a warm smile, grateful for his friendship. "Thank you, Ming Hao. I appreciate it."

As the door closed behind him, Li Mei felt a mixture of emotions stirring within her. 

"How was your day?" Chen Wei asked, his voice gentle but full of curiosity.

Li Mei set down the piece she was working on and looked up at him. She offered a small smile covering up her thoughts. "The usual. Busy, but good."

Chen Wei continued, " How is he?", indicating at Ming Hao.

"He's... well. Worrying about Su Lan, I think," Li Mei replied, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the surface of the clay. "I think he still holds on to the memories of the past, the way things were when we were all younger."

Chen Wei studied her for a moment, sensing there was more to her words. He could tell she wasn't saying everything. But before he could ask more, Li Mei shifted the conversation.