Dusk had fallen.
The sunlight turned to a pale gold, the wind rustled the leaves, and clouds amassed in the valley began to churn.
Dogs herded sheep back up the hillside.
Free-range chickens marched in groups along the pathway home.
Time passed quietly in this little mountain village.
Brother Nan positioned a lounge chair, took a palm-leaf fan, and lay comfortably under the shade of a tree, fanning herself and playing with her smartphone, occasionally letting out a foolish chuckle.
"MEOW!!"
"So many chickens!"
Tuanzi, who had been dozing off, instantly sprang up from the ground. She nearly turned into a little white blur and, in two or three strides, jumped onto Brother Nan's thigh. Turning her head, she stared unblinkingly at the returning flock of chickens, exclaiming, "Chickens can peck people! Protect Lord Dumpling!"
Brother Nan yawned and with a sweep of her hand brushed Tuanzi off.
