Warm Winter Sun (Part Two)

The sun hung high in the sky until it began to sink westward. Its dazzling light gradually softened, carrying the inevitable hush of approaching dusk.

The harsh midday sunlight that had filled the balcony, along with its cozy warmth, slowly began to leave Lin Hai and Gwen.

At some point, Gwen had laid the fashion magazine on her chest. Her head tilted to one side against the soft back of the hanging chair, her breathing slow and even. She had dozed off without realizing it.

Her long lashes cast faint shadows over her eyelids, and sleep had brought a flush to her cheeks, making her look especially peaceful and sweet.

Just then, footsteps sounded on the stairs leading to the second floor. They were quiet, but in the stillness, they were enough to disturb a light sleeper.

The footsteps drew Gwen out of her drowsy sleep. She slowly opened her still-hazy eyes and shifted her weight to turn the hanging chair toward the sound, then turned her head toward the stairs.

Harry appeared at the top of the stairs. His gaze swept over Gwen, who was looking at him, before settling on Lin Hai, who was still sitting in meditation.

Harry said nothing. He pointed at Lin Hai and silently asked Gwen with his eyes and lips, Is he still meditating?

Gwen understood and gave a small nod, mouthing back, Yes.

Harry nodded in understanding, flashed an "OK" sign, then crept back down the stairs as quietly as he had come up.

Gwen did not immediately wake Lin Hai, who still appeared to be meditating. First, she picked up the magazine from her chest and gently set it on a small cabinet nearby.

Then she rose from the gently swaying hanging chair, raised both arms high over her head, pushed