xingzh

I thought that, so long as I understood her past, I could lessen the distance between us.

But it was only once I came to Victoria that I realized there's so much I don't know, so much I haven't seen. I, I...

I don't know a thing about your pasts.

I... I'm scared.

I'm scared we can never bridge this gap.

Maybe there'll be a burst of emotion when we first meet, but once all the excitement dies down, will we find that we are simply two people who don't know each other very well?

In the end, will I be all alone again...?

Thinking about these things makes me feel so miserable...

*sigh*

I know, you're going to say I'm overthinking things. I think I'm overthinking things too... and I couldn't stop myself from getting angry at you.

You know, I was always like that when I was younger. Whenever I get nervous or worried, I would 'blow my top', as they say here.

When I was at school, I would always be especially jittery before exams. Once I became an adult, I would always feel uneasy handing in a book I edited.

But my circumstances back then meant I couldn't release that anger. I simply had to swallow it all. And now that we're here, I let it out on you for no reason.

You should not let wrath overtake you when speaking to those giving you charity, so how can you lose your temper against those dear to you? The dearer you are, the more you should not do it.

I... I apologize, okay? Please don't take it to heart.

Blaze?

(Steady breathing)

You fell asleep?!

<p=1>Victoria, Town of Lannington</><p=2>March 23rd, 1103, 5:50 P.M.</>

No, I've managed to bear with it all day, I can walk on my own for the final stretch.

Don't worry, you look way lighter than my chainsaw, and I can carry that thing around for three hours without breaking out into a sweat. C'mon, get on my shoulders—

Hush. How much longer until we arrive?

Soon, real soon. At most, it'll be one... one...

One hour?!

No, no, it would only take... trying to think of that Yanese proverb... as long as a cup of tea. Just need to reach the end of the road, see?

Xingzhu suddenly stops, and stares at the end of the road ahead.

We're almost there... Wait, my comb's gone... Quick, lend me yours.

I don't have one, I just use my fingers. There's definitely one at home if you need it.

It'll be too late once we're there... No, no, my hair's an utter mess...

Your hair looks perfect.

But, uh... Wait, I need to check the gift again.

Oh no... I made sure to put the book at the bottom, now the corners are creased...

Let's go. You've walked this far along one hell of a road, and you're finally here. Don't cut and run when the door's right in front of you.

You... Don't go! What rules does your family have? I, do I need to change my shoes when I go inside? Where do I hang my jacket? Should I... Should I call her Auntie or Mum?

Hey! Don't pull me, I can walk by myself!

Who the hell is thinking about giving gifts or breaking rules when they're about to meet their own mum?! You're family! Is worrying if you step past the door with your left foot or your right foot first really that important?!

You... Why are you shouting at me all of a sudden?! Of course it's important!

How important?!

So important... that it's the most important thing in my life right now!

Good! And here I thought you didn't get it!

What are you talking about?!

Think carefully. How do you feel now that you're about to meet your birth mother?

I'm scared!

Say that again?!

I...!

I...

I'm...

So, so happy...

I hoped for this, day and night...

But I rarely ever get what I want, and I'm scared I hoped too much, and am doomed to be disappointed, which leads me to think some vexing thoughts...

But you're happy deep inside, right? Let's go, then. Don't give me this 'unfamiliar stranger' crap. You might've lost forty years together, but don't tell me you can't make up for it?

You were still awake yesterday? You...

You're right.

We're here.

Xingzhu takes a deep breath of cold air, stopping in front of the wooden door. It is an ordinary door with a lantern hanging on it, the flame within dancing about, as if waiting to welcome those returning home.

(Quietly) You liar, you said it would only take as long as a cup of tea...

Heheh, Victorian teacups are smaller.

Xingzhu gives Blaze a blank stare, hesitantly raising her hand to knock, then lowering it. But there is no time to run away, for Blaze gives her back a big shove, sending her straight into the house.

Mum! We're home!