That day, after many sunny days, rain finally fell.
It was not heavy.
Just a light drizzle.
Some children wore raincoats, while others held umbrellas as they ran past the pedestrians, laughing.
Their laughter mingled with the rain and the patter of their footsteps, both indistinct and clear.
Bright rain boots gleamed all the more in the gloomy rain.
Even the splashes of water seemed to refract sparkling light.
Xiao Xiao walked through the curtain of rain, holding a black umbrella.
The air had cooled a little because of the rain, making it feel quite comfortable.
Xiao Xiao's lips curved slightly.
"Mom."
A child's clear voice seemed to come from both near and far.
"Why isn't that grandma taking shelter from the rain?"
"You're right."
A woman's voice followed.
It was a little less distinct than the child's.
"Mom doesn't know either."
"Ah."
"The bus is here."
"Hurry up."
"But Grandma—"
"Grandma must have her reasons."
The woman cut the child off.
"Run faster."
"The bus has already stopped."
"If we don't get on this one, you'll be late."
"Huh!?"
"Mom, hurry!"
The child shouted.
Then came the sound of hurried footsteps.
Pitter-patter~
Mingled with the rain, they gave the moment a hint of panic.
Xiao Xiao's steps slowed for a moment.
He turned around.
He headed toward the direction the voices had come from.
After only a few steps, he was surprised to find the surroundings familiar.
This place...
Wasn't this the little square he'd visited with Zhang Bo and the others a few days ago?
The elderly woman the child had mentioned... Could it be...
Xiao Xiao walked toward the spot where he'd met the elderly woman in his memory.
Soon, he saw her...
Just like the last time, the elderly