Returned to the Village

The evening sun bathed the forest in warm light, its rays filtering through the canopy. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the stream rushing down the mountain created a rhythmic sound as it hit the rocks. Bei Lin, who had been resting on a branch, slowly opened her eyes. The pain in her ribs and wounds returned the moment she moved, but she forced herself to sit up.

Looking around carefully, she scanned the forest for any signs of danger. Realizing it was already evening, she knew she needed to return to the village quickly. First, she didn't want to cause Lei Wang anxiety, Secondly, and more importantly, staying in the forest after dark was far too dangerous, with beasts likely to descend in search of water or prey. Gritting her teeth, she began her descent from the tree.

Each movement sent sharp jolts of pain through her body, especially in her ribs. Her wounds throbbed, making it difficult to grip the bark or find stable footing. After a slow, agonizing climb, she finally reached the ground. Taking a moment to steady herself, she began walking alongside the stream, her eyes scanning for any threats.

After a few minutes, her energy waned significantly. The blood loss and exhaustion from the fight were taking their toll, leaving her lightheaded and weak. Desperately, she searched the forest for something edible and found a few wild fruits. They weren't enough to restore her strength completely, but they gave her the energy to continue.

The walk back to the village stretched on, each step a battle against her body's limits. Forty-five minutes later, she finally arrived at the edge of the village, the orange hues of the setting sun casting long shadows on the ground. She felt a brief sense of relief but knew she couldn't let anyone see her in this state. Her dress, now in tatters, barely covered her from chest to thigh, exposing her injuries and bruises.

Steeling herself, Bei Lin moved stealthily through the village, taking care to avoid any prying eyes. Her goal was to reach her house, She wants to get a new dress. Additionally, she doesn't want Lei Wang to know about her wounds.However, as she approached her backyard, her steps faltered.

Someone was sitting on a rock near her house. She recognized the figure instantly: it was Grandpa Lei Wang. His familiar presence brought a mix of emotions—tension, nervousness, and a touch of guilt. She hesitated, unsure of how to approach. Her battered appearance and the state of her dress would be impossible to hide under his sharp gaze.

For a moment, she considered retreating, but her body ached too much to keep moving. Gathering her resolve, she took a deep breath and prepared to confront him.

Lei Wang had been sitting on the rock for hours, anxiety eating away at him. Bei Lin had left for the forest early in the morning, and now, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, she still hadn't returned. He was deeply worried. He had always been against her venturing into the forest alone, especially knowing its dangers. But her stubbornness and her assurance that she would stay near the stream had reluctantly swayed him.

He told her he would accompany her if she wanted to go to the stream, but she replied that he was already old and should sit and rest while she would return quickly, assuring him that nothing would happen to her. Despite his concerns for her, she spoke the truth; the previous journey to town had drained his energy, making him feel his body aging, even though he had once been a warrior. Therefore, he allowed her to go to the forest.

As he sat there, his thoughts spiraling, a faint sound from behind him caught his attention. He turned quickly, his heart tightening at the sight of Bei Lin. Her dress was in tatters, her body covered in dirt and bruises, and two places on her body were hastily tied with strips of cloth to stem the bleeding. She looked utterly drained, as if all the strength had been wrung from her.

Lei Wang jumped up from the rock, his face dark with worry, and hurried to her side. His hands gripped her shoulders, his voice trembling as he asked, "What happened? Why are you like this? What about these wounds?"

The pressure of his hands on her injured shoulders made Bei Lin wince. A small sound of pain escaped her lips, "Ahh..." Hearing this, he immediately pulled his hands away, his face twisting in guilt and anxiety as he scanned her injuries more closely.

Bei Lin looked at him, her heart softening at his concern. His fear and protective tone warmed her despite her exhaustion. She mustered a faint smile and said, "Grandpa, I had to fight two beasts, so this is the result. But I'll be fine. My body feels light because I've lost a lot of blood. I don't want to talk much right now. I need rest."

Her words were calm, but her voice was weak, further deepening Lei Wang's worry. He sighed heavily, his eyes glinting with frustration at her recklessness, but he said nothing more. Instead, he placed a supportive hand under her arm, careful not to hurt her further.

"Come inside," he said gently, his voice thick with concern. "We need to treat your wounds properly."

Bei Lin nodded and allowed him to guide her toward the house, every step a reminder of the toll her body had taken.

Lei Wang guided Bei Lin to her room, carefully helping her sit down. His face was etched with concern, though he tried to keep his voice steady. "Alright," he said softly, "lie down and rest. I'll fetch some purple flash and prepare some soup."

Bei Lin nodded, her head low, as he left the room. However, she didn't lie down. The bamboo bed would press against her wounded back, causing more pain. Instead, she chose to remain seated, waiting for his return.

Some time later, Lei Wang came back and immediately noticed that she wasn't lying on the bed as he had instructed. His eyes narrowed with worry as he asked, "Why aren't you lying down?"

Bei Lin hesitated for a moment before answering sheepishly, "My back has wounds too. It would hurt to lie down."

Hearing this, Lei Wang's face darkened, his frustration clear. But he didn't let his anger surface. Instead, he took a deep breath and suppressed his emotions. Handing her a bowl, he said firmly, "Drink this first. After that, go bathe. I'll call Mei and her little Min. They've been asking where you were, and they can help you with the wounds."

Bei Lin's first instinct was to protest. She didn't want Mei or An Min to know about her injuries—it would only make them worry. But as she thought about it, she realized her back wound needed cleaning, and Lei Wang, being a man, couldn't help her with it. Even though he treated her like family, it wouldn't be appropriate.

Reluctantly, she nodded. "Alright," she agreed quietly.

After drinking the warm soup Lei Wang had prepared, Bei Lin felt a bit of strength returning to her. The rich broth eased the gnawing emptiness in her stomach, though her body still ached from the wounds and the day's exertion.

Once she finished, Lei Wang collected the empty bowl and gave her a firm nod. "Now, go and clean yourself up. I'll bring Mei and Min over soon."

Bei Lin stood up carefully, her body protesting with every movement. She gathered a fresh set of clothes from her belongings and made her way to the small bathing area in Lei Wang's house.

As she removed her tattered, blood-stained dress, she caught sight of herself in the small cracked mirror. Her body was covered in bruises, cuts, and smudges of dirt. The wounds on her back ,hand and leg stung as the cool air touched them. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the water, letting its warmth soothe her battered frame.

She gently cleaned her wounds, wincing as the water met torn skin. Using a small cloth, she wiped away the dried blood and grime, doing her best to avoid further pain. Though it was uncomfortable, she felt relieved as the dirt and sweat washed away.

After finishing, she put on a fresh set of clothes. She felt lighter, cleaner, but her energy was still drained. Knowing Lei Wang would return soon with Mei, she made her way back to her room. Sitting down on the edge of the bamboo bed, she sighed deeply, trying to prepare herself for the scolding she knew was coming.

Moments later, she heard the sound of voices approaching.

The door to Bei Lin's house opened as Lei Wang, Aunt Mei, and An Min stepped inside her room. Aunt Mei's face was stern with anger, while An Min's expression was full of worry. Though Aunt Mei seemed ready to scold her, her tone softened as she spoke.

"Little Bei, show me the wounds," she said.

Lei Wang stepped out of the room to give them privacy. Bei Lin hesitated but then removed her dress, revealing the extent of her injuries. As Aunt Mei and An Min saw the bruises and gashes, they both gasped.

"It seems you've been in a truly dangerous fight," Aunt Mei remarked, her voice laced with concern. Bei Lin nodded, keeping her head down.

Aunt Mei turned to An Min. "Go fetch some water and two clean cloths," she instructed.

An Min nodded and hurried out of the room. Left alone with Bei Lin, Aunt Mei gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Little Bei," she said softly, "next time, don't push yourself like this, okay? We were all so worried about you, especially Uncle Wang. I know you want to be strong, but strength comes with patience and steady progress. Rushing into danger can cost you dearly." Bei Lin nodded silently.

An Min soon returned with a bowl of water and the cloths. Aunt Mei soaked a cloth in the water, wrung it out, and approached Bei Lin's injured arm. As she dabbed at the wound, the touch made Bei Lin flinch slightly from the sting, but she bit her lip and endured it.

Aunt Mei continued carefully cleaning each wound, including the gash on Bei Lin's leg and the deep scratches on her back. Once the wounds were clean, Aunt Mei mixed a paste using the crushed purple flash and applied it to the injuries.

The paste stung sharply as it touched her skin, and the intense pain made Bei Lin clench her teeth to stop herself from crying out. "Bear with it, Little Bei," Aunt Mei murmured gently as she worked.

Finally, Aunt Mei took a clean cloth and wrapped it firmly around each treated wound, securing the paste in place. With her careful efforts, the worst of Bei Lin's injuries were now tended to.

"Okay, done. Little Bei, tell me where else you feel pain," Aunt Mei asked gently.

Bei Lin hesitated for a moment before replying, "My ribs also hurt."

Aunt Mei observed her closely before nodding. "I'll go prepare some herbal soup for you. Drink it, and it will help you heal over time," she said. Bei Lin nodded quietly. "Also, for tonight, sleep like this. Don't wear any dress over your wounds, so they can breathe. I'll let Uncle Wang know about your condition."

Bei Lin nodded again, her expression tired but compliant. Aunt Mei left for her house to prepare the herbal soup.

An Min, who had been silently sitting nearby, finally spoke up. "Bei, why did you go there? You know it's dangerous. But honestly, you're really brave. Tell me about your fight!"

Bei Lin looked at her and smiled faintly before recounting her battles with the boar and the bear. An Min listened intently, her eyes wide with amazement.

"You're really powerful!" An Min exclaimed. "I want to be like you one day."

Bei Lin smiled at her friend's enthusiasm. An Min stayed for a while, chatting and asking questions about the fight, before finally saying her goodbyes. Shortly after, An Min returned with a bowl of herbal soup. An Min handed her the bowl.

Bei Lin took it and drank. The soup had a slightly sour taste, but she didn't complain and finished it in one go. She handed the empty bowl back to An Min, who said, "Mom told me she'll come by tomorrow to change the purple flash on your wounds again."

Bei Lin nodded in acknowledgment, and An Min left with the empty bowl.

Now alone in her room, Bei Lin looked at her bed. Even though it was familiar, lying on the hard bamboo surface with her wounds seemed uncomfortable. She sighed in frustration.

Suddenly, she heard Lei Wang's voice from outside. "Little Bei, I've put my bed outside your door. You can use it to sleep more comfortably. I'll sleep in the kitchen tonight. Let me know if you need anything."

Bei Lin felt warmth in her heart and called out, "Okay, Grandpa Lei. Thank you."

After hearing his footsteps fade, she peeked through the door to ensure he wasn't there. She carefully pulled the soft bed inside and placed it over the bamboo bed frame. When she lay down, the mattress offered much-needed relief, even though her wounds still ached slightly.

The pain wasn't as sharp now, and she felt her body gradually relax. Slowly, she drifted into a deep, exhausted sleep, the sound of the stream outside her window soothing her restless mind.