She took a deep breath, attempting to soothe her rapidly beating heart. Her eyes were slightly red and brimming with fatigue. The pain of losing loved ones? What did they know about such pain?
Their questions echoed in her mind. She forced a smile, but it twisted into something self-deprecating. The truth was, she missed her parents terribly.
At that moment, she felt strong arms encircle her from behind.
"Master...we're all here with you." Zhiyi's gentle voice whispered in her ear as his tall frame embraced her carefully, as if she were the most precious treasure in the world. His tone was measured, cautious not to disturb her thoughts.
The others appeared around her almost simultaneously.
They saw her pain clearly. They felt her helplessness, the anguish radiating from her heart and soul. Strangely, they found themselves sharing that same pain. The woman they loved, the master they respected and adored - her sorrow had become their sorrow. How could they not feel her despair?
