A Tiny World in the Dust: At the Bottom of the Well of Despair

She opened her eyes in a daze.

The first thing she saw was the faint light of dawn.

Little Butterfly's eyes shifted. She saw a lace-trimmed pillow, exquisite bedding, and a magnificent domed ceiling. She seemed to be lying in bed.

Where was she...?

Just then, Little Butterfly suddenly felt a pair of warm hands stroking her hair.

"...Mommy Haoyue?"

"It's me, Little Butterfly."

Her eyes slowly widened. She could make out the person sitting beside her. It really was Mommy Haoyue.

As always, she wore a qipao. Her glossy black hair reflected the morning sunlight. She was truly beautiful.

But why was her smile so sad?

And wasn't Mommy usually the one to greet her in the morning?

"Um... where's Mommy? Where is she?"

"She... Mommy's very busy right now, so I'm here to keep you company."

"Oh..."

Little Butterfly rolled over and blinked.

"But I... really miss Mommy..."

"..." Haoyue was silent.

Then she gently embraced her from behind.

"Don't worry..."

She softly stroked Little Butterfly's hair.

"Mommy will be here soon. Sister Sakura Dance will too, and so will your good friends from Central United Academy. Everyone's on their way. You'll see them very soon."

"Really?"

"Really. We'll all be together, forever... So you can have another nap while you wait."

"Mm..."

Her gentle voice seemed almost magical. Drowsiness welled up again, and Little Butterfly nestled in Haoyue's arms and sank into a deep sleep.

Sleep. Just sleep for a little while.

She needed to show everyone how full of energy she was.

Maybe she had been through a lot of sorrow,

maybe she had spent a long time lamenting in the darkness,

but,

when she woke, she would surely—

see the smiles of everyone she loved once again.

"Ugh..."

Her face was so wet.

Were those