He called for his sister over and over, as if only that could bring him even a sliver of false security.
Mu Linsen was too hungry, and too tired.
Before he knew it, the little child had fallen asleep.
He dreamed of his sister.
In the dream, his sister wore a white dress and held his brother's hand as she came to find him.
He could not make out his brother and sister's faces, but he knew that they were his brother and sister.
His sister smiled and took out a steaming bun. "Yichen, you must be starving. Hurry and eat."
"Thank you, Sis!"
Mu Linsen was overjoyed. He held the bun and began wolfing it down.
But soon, his little face scrunched up. "Sis, why is this bun sour?"
He looked up to ask, only to discover in horror that his brother and sister were gone!
And the bun in his hands had somehow turned into a yellow fruit with half a bite mark on it.
"Brother! Sis!!"
Mu Linsen's sobs echoed through the pitch-black forest.
Quiet moonlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows across his tear-streaked face.
"Don't... don't cry."
A strange, hoarse voice sounded softly by Mu Linsen's ear.
Mu Linsen jumped in fright. He looked around, only then realizing that the tree was speaking.
He raised his head and looked at the large tree beside him.
The ancient tree seemed to have come alive. Its thick branches slowly drooped down, and a broad leaf gently brushed over his head, like a kind and benevolent old man.
Then, a branch covered in flower buds bent down, with a yellow fruit hanging from its tip.
It was the very fruit he had eaten before.
An aged, gentle voice sounded in Mu Linsen's heart, without