When dawn broke, Shuo still had his eyes open.
He hadn't slept a wink all night.
His mind kept replaying yesterday's scene-the enormous Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, its tightly shut eyes, and the tears slowly flowing from them.
He rolled over.
Sai was sound asleep on the floor, breathing steadily. It was already light outside. Just like that, a new day had arrived.
Shuo sat up, got out of bed, and went to wash up.
By the time he came out, Sai was awake.
"Didn't sleep?"
"No."
Sai didn't ask any more questions. He picked up a paper bag from the table, still warm, and handed it over.
Shuo took it and had a bite.
The plum rice ball was so sour that he narrowed his eyes, chewing slowly.
After eating, the two went downstairs.
The streets gradually grew lively. It was a new day, and everyone was busy with their own affairs.
Shuo headed toward the sweet shop, with Sai silently walking beside him.
As they passed the general store, its owner was crouching by the entrance, sorting vegetables.
"You're here?"
"Yeah." Shuo stopped, took out a candy, and handed it to her.
"Everything all right yesterday?"
"Everything was fine."
"That's good." The owner smiled. "Go on, then."
The two continued on.
When they reached the shop, they unlocked the door and opened the windows.
They walked over to the display window. The nine plates were still neatly arranged, all full of candy.
Sunlight fell on the orange candy wrappers, warm and soft.
Shuo took out three candies and put them on the first plate on the left.
Sai followed suit, placing three on the middle plate to fill it back up.
The two stood in front of the display window, looking at the row of candies.