That evening, Ma Jinhua dragged his exhausted body home.
The courtyard was silent, with only the kitchen light on.
His wife was busy at the stove, a pot of chicken soup simmering and filling the air with its rich aroma.
"Where's little Rui?" Ma Jinhua asked.
"He's in his room. He just finished eating." His wife wiped her hands, a hint of relief on her face. "He seems to have quieted down a lot after taking his medicine today, not as restless as before."
Ma Jinhua nodded, but a faint sense of disappointment welled up inside him.
Although Li Xu had said there would be ups and downs, he couldn't help but hope his son would have another moment of clarity.
He walked into the bathroom, drew a hot bath, and prepared to wash his son.
Ma Rui was sitting on a small stool, still clutching the clay rabbit and smiling foolishly.
"Come on, let Dad give you a wash," Ma Jinhua said, squatting down and reaching for his son's buttons.
"Bath, bath... hehe..."
