He Could No Longer See Me

But they were some distance away, and the man's voice wasn't loud. They couldn't hear what he was saying.

Except Xiao Xiao.

He heard every word of the man's hoarse, low voice.

Uncle Xu said a lot.

He talked about their memories together, what had happened after she left, and how he had waited for her.

"Sorry, am I talking too much?"

"It seems like I've been the one talking nonstop ever since we first met."

"Do you find me annoying?"

"I'm glad you didn't leave without saying goodbye."

"But I'm sad that I can't see you anymore."

"I don't know if this ending is good or bad."

"But whether it's good or bad, I can only accept it, can't I?"

"Maple leaves really are prettiest when they turn red."

"Thank you."

"I never thought you really were a monster."

"No wonder you never spoke to me."

"I did a lot of stupid things trying to make you talk."

"I used to like you."

"Of course, I still like you now,"

"just not in that way anymore."

At some point, the Maple Tree had gone quiet, its leaves no longer rustling against one another.

Uncle Xu withdrew his hand and turned around, leaning his back against the Maple Tree as he slowly slid down to sit.

He looked up at the beautiful red leaves above him.

His gaze was unfocused.

He didn't know that Spirit Maple was sitting on a branch above his head, gazing intently at him.

"Zizhen, and everyone, come eat."

Before anyone came into view, Grandpa Xu's booming voice carried over. "Your grandma's made a whole table full of food for you."

"All right, coming!"

Xu Zizhen called back.

He turned toward the