That flash of red robes stood out most clearly in the mist.
The great monk simply stood there, still and silent. No one knew how long he had been standing there, or what he was thinking. People came and went around him, yet the aunties and uncles who would even stop to tease a monkey seemed not to see him. They reached the top, caught their breath, called to their old friends, then walked laughing through the temple gates.
Chen Shu pretended to be exhausted. He grabbed Qingqing's arm and shifted a few pounds of his weight onto her.
After climbing the last step, he kept up the act, breathing in and out. Only then did he let Qingqing go and press his palms together in greeting to the great monk.
The great monk returned the greeting at almost the same instant.
"Your Reverence."
"Amitabha."
The two voices rang out together.
Chen Shu straightened.
The great monk straightened too. Neither Sorrow nor Joy, he asked calmly, "Did your journey west bring you what you sought, benefactor?"
"I gained more than I could have imagined." Thinking of Master Tongzhi, Chen Shu put away his playful smile. His words turned to white mist in the late-autumn morning. "I must thank Your Reverence for guiding me. Unfortunately, I failed the task you entrusted to me. I couldn't bring your disciple back."
"He found what he sought and gained what he wanted. He has become a Buddha." The great monk smiled. "Thank you, benefactor."
"I don't deserve your thanks."
"I came expressly to thank you. If you wish to tour the temple, Tongdeng can show you both around."
"Tongdeng..."
Only then did Chen Shu notice another monk nearby. Young-looking, with skin fair as jade, he was tall and sturdy in moon-white robes. Several aunties