7 Fear

Growl

Xie Ra's stomach cried from hunger. He hadn't eaten anything since yesterday morning. He Reassured his "Bàba" that he ate yesterday and will buy something to eat today as well. ( Xie started calling Uncle Mo as 'Bàba' after Mo called him 'son')

But the truth was he hadn't had any appetite these days. He bought porridge from the market last night only for Bàba.

He pleaded with Yan Yi to find someone to look after Bàba until he returned home. Yan Lou always considered Mo Xing as his brother. Therefore, he sent his cleverest assistant 'Ning Bo' to look after the sick man.

Yan residents took responsibility for feeding Mo Xing morning and afternoon, so Xie Ra could go to work with some relief. Yet Xie Ra couldn't help but fear as Bàba's condition didn't get better for three weeks.

He was lost in thoughts and worked mechanically. He didn't even hear when "Big-bellied Peacock" barked at him for not answering quickly. Other workers got worried about the young boy as they started to notice how different he was acting.

They heard that Mo Xing was sick from village doctor Yan Lou. Even though most of them weren't very close with this white-haired youth, they knew Xie Ra was one of the best workers there.

So sometimes they sent him home early and shared his part of work among themselves. Sometimes Humanity is so beautiful. Isn't it?

On this particular day, Xie Ra's group finished their work quickly. So they were allowed to go home early. Xie Ra grabbed his bag and ran home without even bothering to talk with anyone.

He wanted to go home to escape from his anxiety by looking after Bàba himself. As he ran with all his might, Xie Ra reached home 15 minutes earlier than usual.

But something felt wrong as he stepped into the front yard. House was too… silent. He went inside.

"Bàba, I'M HOME." but nobody answered. He panicked.

Where was Bàba? Didn't Ning Bo come today?

His heart started to beat fast as it wanted to jump out of his chest. He checked every room, but nobody was in there.

At the same time, Xie Ra's panic reached its peak, he thought about another possibility. If they had to go somewhere for some reason, Ning Bo will surely leave some note.

Xie Ra took the chance and searched for a note that might be left behind for him to find.

He was right. There was a note on the table, weighted down by a rock. He grabbed it forcefully causing the weight to drop on the floor creating a loud 'Thud'.

"Xie Ra, Don't panic. I took uncle Mo to Yan's residence for treatments. I'm planning to send a messenger to your workplace when your work hours are over. But, I write this just in case you come home before getting the message.

-Ning Bo"

He sighed in relief. He wiped off the sweat that covered his face from early panic and fear. Then he jumped out of the house and ran towards Yan's residence.