The next day, Xiao Yi'er opened her eyes early and found herself nestled in a wonderfully warm embrace. The corners of her mouth instantly turned up, and her eyes curved into crescent moons.
Though innocent and ignorant of the world, she knew what happiness and safety felt like. Right now, she felt completely secure and happy. Contented, she burrowed further into that warm embrace, her tiny hands clutching tightly at her mother's undergarment, terrified that if she let go, all of this would turn out to be a dream.
"Xiao Yi'er is awake? Do you still feel any pain anywhere?" Shu He gently stroked her little head. It was the first time she had ever held a soft, squishy little bundle sleeping soundly in her arms, and the feeling was quite magical.
Chapter 17