Mother and father considered Bing, sensing that his voice was authoritative and his statement conclusive. They also sensed that Bing was being willful. But to them, his willfulness was not uncommon and not incomprehensible. Naturally, they believed his words were not just words but vows. When their eyes fi xed on Mei who had been viewing them with shame and guilt, they simply said,“Whatever is fi ne for us. As long as Mei is happy, we are happy.”
There was nothing more than a sad smile to cover the complexity of that particular moment. Soon afterwards Mei left with Bing as abruptly as they had come. There were no better parting words than “Take care!”. It was more than a satire. Waving goodbye, she was afraid that would be the end of her old life and she was unprepared for a new life. But it had already begun.