Five in the morning.
We had waited until then, and none of us had disturbed the two brothers in the meantime.
Dawn was approaching when Rat brought Xiao Xuan back to us.
"Go on..."
He let go of Xiao Xuan's hand and gave him a gentle push.
Xiao Xuan obediently walked toward us. He could no longer hold back his tears. He looked up at Rat, his little hands gripping the hem of his clothes.
Even now, he hadn't made a sound.
He already knew Rat was dead, and he was deeply saddened. He was only eight, after all. Even if he had cried and screamed and rolled around on the ground, we would have understood.
I found it hard to imagine how he could have such inner strength at just eight years old.
I was twenty-six, and whenever someone close to me had passed away, I had never managed to stay as composed as Xiao Xuan.
"Study hard. Only if you make something of yourself can you go find your mom."
Rat looked at Xiao Xuan too, giving him his final reminders. "Never steal. Don't let people look down on you. Whatever difficulties you face, keep looking ahead."
Xiao Xuan nodded and waved to Rat in a silent farewell.
Seventh Master took two steps forward, formed the Dao Finger gesture, and slowly raised his right hand.
Usually so decisive, he actually hesitated this time.
His raised hand fell, then rose again, but he still couldn't bring himself to recite the sutra to send Rat on.
Tonight was the final parting for these two brothers who shared no blood. This goodbye didn't mean they would meet again. It meant... they would never see each other again.
"Child, I'll send you on your way now. Go in peace."
"The living are