The sea breeze in Little Fishing Village was the same as ever.
Salty and fishy, with the scent of seaweed, it felt damp against the face.
By the time Bai Youyou landed beneath the old, crooked locust tree at the village entrance with Little Stone in her arms, the sky had already darkened.
The last streak of orange-red sunset over the sea was gradually shrinking.
Several fishing boats were returning to harbor in the distance. The oil lamps hanging from their masts swayed in the dusk like fireflies coming home late.
Little Stone stirred in her arms and opened his eyes groggily.
He saw the old, crooked locust tree, the familiar courtyard gate beneath it, and the oil lamp already lit by the entrance.
His eyes lit up at once.
"Grandma..."
He struggled a little, and Bai Youyou set him down.
Little Stone staggered two steps, then took off running toward the courtyard gate.
His legs were still a little weak, making him bob as he ran.
The old woman was coming out of the kitchen with a basin of water. At his cry, her hands shook, and the basin clattered to the ground.
Water spilled everywhere.
She stood there, stunned.
She watched that tiny figure run toward her, watched the tears and smile on that small, dark face.
She suddenly crouched and swept Little Stone into her arms.
"Grandma... I'm home..."
"You're home. That's all that matters..."
The old woman's voice trembled uncontrollably as her withered hands stroked Little Stone's hair, back, and cheeks.
When she touched the patch of tender, newly grown red skin on his forehead, her fingers paused, but she held him even tighter.
The old man came out of the house with his walking stick. At the sight by the gate, he stopped short.
He