In the pitch-black closet, only the two of them could hear each other breathing.
Fang Cheng hadn't figured out how to persuade Rin-chan when he heard her timidly ask, "Big brother, are you here to take me back?"
"No. If you don't want to listen, you don't have to."
He smiled. "I came back to keep you company, so you wouldn't get scared and cry again."
His tone was casual, but he knew their time was almost up.
Rin-chan seemed a little embarrassed. She lowered her head and said nothing.
Fang Cheng looked in her direction and asked, "Do you know why they called you?"
"I... don't know."
Rin-chan hugged her shoulders and trembled. "But I know it must be something bad. I don't want to listen."
Fang Cheng knew the truth would be cruel for a little girl who was only seven, but he had to tell her.
"The person who called was one of your parents' coworkers. He wanted to tell you something."
"No! I don't want to hear it!"
Rin-chan covered her ears with both hands and shook her head over and over.
Fang Cheng steeled himself. "Your parents have passed away."
"I don't want to hear it!!"
Rin-chan let out a scream, shoved open the closet door, and ran out.
Fang Cheng grabbed her hand at once, stopping her from escaping.
Crying and struggling, Rin-chan pummeled his hand with her little fists and kicked at it with her feet.
He silently endured it, letting her vent.
A few minutes later, Rin-chan had cried herself out. Her eyes were swollen and her voice had gone hoarse. She sat on the floor, sobbing.
Fang Cheng stepped out of the closet and crouched in front of her.
"Let me tell you something about myself."
He wiped the tears from