PHEW...
When he dreamt of Granny, a sudden coolness swept across his chest, and Hu Ma abruptly awakened.
He found himself sprawled out in the hall. There were no lights on, and it was surrounded by darkness. It seemed Little Hongtang had dragged him into the main room.
Involuntarily, he reached for his chest and felt the coolness emanating from the pouch filled with pond ash. This refreshing sensation was different from that of an evil spirit; it cleared his drowsy and hot head somewhat.
Did Granny come to save me in my dream?
He thought of that dream, real yet surreal, and tried his best to stand up.
Lighting the oil lamp, he used the dim light to find the hatchet by the wall, the one used for chopping wood. Then, he took a deep breath and, gripping the hatchet, walked out of the house. Little Hongtang curiously followed him, asking, "Brother Huma, what are you going to do?"
"Go and heal."
Hu Ma gritted his teeth and dragged his body along.
