They sat together, eating with focus. Chen Xiao was drooping with exhaustion, barely managing to get food to his mouth. Yuyan ate mechanically, her mind clearly still processing everything she'd witnessed today.
"You both did incredibly well today," Shuyin said to the children. "What you saw was very difficult. But you stayed strong, helped where you could, and showed compassion to children who desperately needed it. I'm very proud of both of you."
"Thqnk you Momma...." They enjoyed that praising.
Dinner concluded quickly. Both children were stumbling with tiredness by the time they finished eating. Lu Yuze carried Chen Xiao up to their room while Yuyan walked beside Shuyin, leaning heavily against her.
Bath time was brief and efficient. Both children were asleep almost before their heads hit pillows, exhausted by the emotional and physical demands of the day.
