8

8

When I open my eyes again, the pungent smell of disinfectant water pierces through my nostrils.

Outside the window, the occasional sound of buildings collapsing raises clouds of dust.

I lean against the shaky hospital bed, listening to the unbearable creaking of the metal frame.

The wound on my abdomen subtly aches, and the flat touch under the gauze reminds me of the little life I've lost forever.

Zhang Hao kneels straight, his forehead pressed against the cold, muddy ground.

Hearing the sound, he suddenly raises his head, his once fierce face now awash with tears.

He slams his forehead heavily on the ground, "I, Zhang Hao, am not a human! I've wronged you…"

"Sister-in-law? Your face looks so pale."

Xiao Yu waves her hand before my eyes, draping her torn cotton coat over me.

I come back to myself, realizing my nails have deeply embedded into my palms.