Even as I woke up that morning, the entire environment was filled with a wonderful freshness. New sunbeams fell upon the dewdrops resting on the tips of jade-colored grass, making them shimmer like pearls. The chirping of birds flowed around the house as if to say that today was special. Although Zhonghe had gone to work, his loving scent still lingered throughout the home.
Chenxi finished her household chores and prepared to go to the city. When I saw her wearing the blue dress that Zhonghe had gifted her, it felt as if my very breath had stopped. That shade of blue gave a strange radiance to her fair complexion. She had styled her hair in a new way just for herself. Watching her smile in front of the mirror, I thought of how happy our mother would have been today if she were still alive.
"Shall we go, little one...?" she asked, looking at me affectionately.
The two of us walked toward the city. I moved slightly ahead of her like her guardian, wagging my tail. I noticed that the gaze of the people was drawn to her the moment we entered the city. As she walked down the street, even the wealthy boys who used to mock her fell silent and turned to look at her twice. Today, there was amazement in their eyes. I realized that the people who once hurt her had become kind enough to catch her even before she could fall.
I lifted my head slightly and walked with pride. 'Look, sister... these people respect you today. Today, you are equal to them...' I whispered in my heart.
The atmosphere changed even more as we reached the center of the market. People who used to push her aside now made way for her.
Even before Chenxi could touch an item, the vendors there very cordially began to select the best goods for her. "Young lady... look at this, these fresh vegetables suit you very well," one vendor said with a smile. Forgetting all the harsh words said to her before, Chenxi thanked them all with a heartfelt smile. It felt to me as if the roughness of the entire market dissolved before her innocent, pure smile. Truly, she was like a full moon that had risen over that dark city today.
One man came near me and smiled, looking at Chenxi. "This little friend staying with this beautiful girl deserves something too," he said, handing me a piece of fresh bread. Having frequently been beaten by people, I barked a "woof" to thank him for that kind treatment and ate it happily.
We headed back home carrying the bags of supplies. Everything was as beautiful as a dream. In my heart, I thanked Zhonghe a thousand times for erasing all our past miseries and giving us a new life. By the end of the day, both of us waited for his return with wonderful happiness.