Not a Dream

"Mother, I became a Saint," Jiang Ping'an said.

Hearing this, Jiang Shuyue froze for a long while, gazing silently at Jiang Ping'an.

Jiang Ping'an did not disturb her, merely smiling beneath his mother's gaze.

Jiang Shuyue finally came back to herself and murmured, "I'm dreaming again."

With that, she rose to her feet, turned, and walked toward the house.

"Mother, this isn't a dream." Jiang Ping'an stood up and called out tearfully at Jiang Shuyue's retreating back.

His mother's reaction made him realize that she must have dreamed of him becoming a Saint countless times. He knew well that she wanted him to become a Saint not for glory, much less wealth and rank, but simply so that he could live.

Jiang Shuyue's entire body trembled, and she stopped in her tracks. Slowly, she turned around and looked back at Jiang Ping'an.

Mist rose in her beautiful eyes. Her slightly parted lips trembled faintly. She drew a deep breath and closed her eyes.

Of course she hoped it was real, but she had dreamed too many false dreams.

Jiang Ping'an walked before Jiang Shuyue, his heart aching beyond measure and filled with overwhelming guilt. He raised a hand and gently wiped away the warm tears spilling from the corners of her closed eyes.

"Mother, this isn't a dream. It's real. I became a Saint." Jiang Ping'an spoke through tears, then gently pulled Jiang Shuyue into his embrace.

Everything felt so real. Then let it be real, Jiang Shuyue thought to herself, and she could not help but burst into tears.

Hearing his mother cry, Jiang Ping'an began crying too, even wailing aloud. "I'm sorry, Mother. I made you suffer before I was even born. I've kept making you suffer, boohoo... I'm sorry... I've failed as a son, boohoo..."

Mother and