The results of the compatibility test came back.
Lin Zhou and Shen Che were a match.
When the doctor said, "Haploidentical, meets the conditions for transplant," they hugged each other tightly, crying tears of joy.
It meant that Shen Che had a hope for a new life.
The surgery was scheduled for three months later.
While waiting for the surgery, they made an important decision.
They gave up the lease on the upstairs apartment, the room that held too many painful memories and secrets. They moved all their belongings downstairs, into the warm little home that truly belonged to Lin Zhou.
On moving day, Shen Che stood in the empty room on the sixth floor for one last look. He could almost see himself from three years ago, moving in, full of despair.
He went downstairs. Lin Zhou was waiting for him.
"Let's go," she said, holding out her hand.
"Yeah," Shen Che took her hand.
They walked down the stairs together. From then on, there was no more upstairs or downstairs. They only had one shared home.