My words startled the Liu brothers, Zhiguo and Zhijun. I'd laid bare a truth neither of them wanted to believe.
But the truth was, I didn't know what Song Xian had really seen, either—or whether her dementia had progressed to the point of hallucinations.
The brothers preferred to believe the latter explanation.
Liu Zhijun immediately said, "Mom, stop scaring us. You're really confused."
Liu Zhiguo quickly echoed him.
The two of them grabbed Song Xian's hands. From their expressions, they seemed afraid to touch her. Even so, they propped her up and tried to take her away.
Song Xian struggled, sinking toward the ground as she wailed loudly. Her hands were still outstretched, trying to grab at whatever was inside the iron railings.
Liu Zhiguo and Liu Zhijun looked like the cruelest kidnappers as they dragged an old woman toward the car.
They weren't young themselves, and Song Xian was struggling so desperately that they were having a hard time holding on.
A year or so ago, I would have suggested that they call an ambulance and take Song Xian in for psychological or psychiatric treatment. Now, I couldn't bring myself to say that. I couldn't send someone who claimed to see ghosts to a psychiatric hospital. If I did, I might as well check myself in, too.
Guo Yujie couldn't stand to watch any longer. She stepped in and stopped Liu Zhiguo and Liu Zhijun. She was strong, and with care and control, she could hold Song Xian still without hurting her.
Guo Yujie restrained Song Xian's hands and shoulders, holding her against her chest. Song Xian still tried to look at whatever was inside the railings, weeping uncontrollably.
"Grandma Song, please calm down first. Don't rush. Tell us what happened. You—"
"What is there to talk about? My