As darkness reigned outside, the heavy rain pouring down with rhythmic thunder created a sense of restlessness in my mind. Chenxi stood near the doorway, looking out at the road with impatience. It had been several hours since the usual time Zhonghe would return home.
It was past 8:00 PM. Chenxi, who had been watching the road with eyes full of lingering hope, drifted into a light sleep without realizing it. I rested my head on her lap, listening to the pace of her heartbeat. Suddenly, she startled awake at the sound of a massive thunderclap.
"Still not here... he still hasn't come..."
She looked at the time in fear. It was now past 10:00 PM.
A strange dread was etched on Chenxi's face. "Has something happened to him? Is he fallen somewhere in this rain?" She began to sob, sharing all sorts of frantic thoughts with me. I wanted to run to the city immediately to find Zhonghe. But how could I leave my helpless sister all alone? I licked her hands, trying my best to comfort her.
Around 11:00 PM, a dark figure appearing from afar began to take shape amidst the misty rain.
"Zhonghe...!" Chenxi screamed and ran out onto the road, disregarding the downpour.
Zhonghe was approaching, drenched to the bone and looking utterly exhausted. Chenxi lunged toward him and embraced him tightly. Her legs, unable to bear the weight of the fear and pain she had felt, gave way. While still clinging to him, she sank to the ground right there in the rain, crying loudly.
"I thought... I thought...!" was all she could say. She tugged at Zhonghe's soaked clothes, sobbing and crying out. Without saying a word, Zhonghe gently lifted her up and carried her inside the house. He seated her on a chair and gave a warm kiss to her cold forehead. Chenxi, still weeping, began to hit his chest weakly out of the unbearable fear she had endured. Zhonghe pulled her close and embraced her firmly against his chest.
"I'm sorry, Xi... I didn't realize you would be this scared. I will never frighten you like this again. I promise," he whispered with immense love.
I watched this scene unfold. Tears began to well up in my eyes too. I realized once again how precious this man is to our lives. The mere thought of a world without him is like hell itself.