Zhang Sumei gazed at the two adults and one small child sleeping soundly before gently turning off the light. Instantly, the room plunged into darkness, leaving only two distinct breathing patterns: one light, one heavy. These sounds weren't disruptive; instead, they imbued the space with a unique tranquility that calmed her.
Unable to sleep, Zhang Sumei sat by the baby's cot, quietly listening to Du Heng and Wu Shengnan's snores. Her unfocused gaze drifted through the windowpane, staring out at nothing in particular. In the darkness, her fingers brushed the corner of her eye—perhaps to wipe away a tear, or maybe just to soothe an itch. She scratched it gently, an action unnoticed by anyone else.
