As he walked upstairs, Shi Yang felt heavy-footed, with each lift and descent of his leg weighed down as if there were two forces pressing on his shoulders, requiring a tremendous amount of effort with each move.
When he took out the keys and opened the door, his mother poked her head out from the kitchen, smiled upon seeing him, and asked, "Home early today?"
Shi Yang forced a smile: "Yeah, Mom, what did you cook? It smells delicious."
Shi Yang's mother grinned: "Sweet and sour fish, steamed prawns, and two vegetable dishes."
Shi Yang's eyes lit up slightly: "Cooking so many dishes? Is he coming back tonight?"
Shi Yang's mother scolded him with a stern face: "He's your dad!"
Shi Yang replied dismissively: "Uh-huh."
Shi Yang's mother smiled with helplessness: "Your dad is coming home for dinner tonight."
