236 Not Too Late (2/2)

”Mommy, delicious.” She grinned, showing her tiny white teeth. A look of satisfaction was written all over her face.

Xia Ruoxin watched as her daughter ate the noodles, and her eyes began to redden. She hurriedly lowered her head and ate her own noodles. When they were together, a simple bowl of noodles to them was already a delicacy.

When they were done eating, Xia Ruoxin brought the dishes to the kitchen while Rainy resumed playing with her doll in silence. It was all she had now.

”Rainy.” She sat by the bedside and put her fingers gingerly on her daughter's cheek.

”Mommy has to go to work. You have to stay at home and wait for me to come back. Okay?”

Rainy looked up as her tiny hand pulled at her clothes. ”Mommy, can I come with you? Like last time? I will be good and wait at the side for you. I won't be noisy.”

Xia Ruoxin shook her head gently as she tried to explain to her daughter, ”I can't bring you to the place where I work now. Besides, Rainy, you are sick, and you have to stay at home and rest. But, I promise you. I will rush back after work. It won't be too late.” Her fingers quivered as her smile turned bitter.

Rainy bit on her pink lips. She finally nodded.

”Then, Mommy must come back soon. I will wait for you.” She looked up at Xia Ruoxin with tears swirling in her big, bright eyes.

Xia Ruoxin stood at the doorway after she shut the door. She simply had no other way but to leave a three-year-old child alone at home. There was nothing here, only a doll to keep her company.

Rainy sat on the bed and hugged her doll tight as she coiled her body into a fetal position.

At last, she gave in and started to sob. So did the woman who was on the other side of the door.