Uncle Niu fell ill that very night.
His heart was burdened with too much, and he had held on before, perhaps because he was concerned about Niuwa outside, or perhaps because he wanted to see that child he had raised from a young age just one more time.
He saw him today, saw that he was studying well, saw that he was well-fed and clothed, saw that he was a hundred times stronger than when he was by his side... As the breath he had been holding let go, his body couldn't endure it anymore.
In his confusion, there were always two voices arguing in his head, one yelling to just close his eyes and rest, saying that if he died, he wouldn't be a burden to Niuwa; the other voice, clear and gentle, said that he must live well because Niuwa is still waiting for him.
The two voices fought against each other like in a contest, causing him a headache like his head was splitting.
Maybe pain can clarify one's thoughts, he hurt and ached, remembering many, many things.
