August 21st, Friday.
Another day in Beijing with a high-temperature alert.
Su Xiaomeng carried a cake along with some vegetables and fruits as she walked out of the market; the air conditioning gone, she squinted against the glaring sun.
Ah Su was about to open an umbrella when Su Xiaomeng quickly said,
"Don't bother, let's just go. An umbrella won't help."
Ah Su figured she was right. They walked for just about a street and a half before reaching home, both drenched in sweat.
"Mom, wipe your sweat."
Shuangshuang was quick to curry favor, handing a towel to Su Xiaomeng.
Xiao Meng placed the items back in the kitchen for her mother to handle, then turned to thank her daughter.
She was about to give her a hug, but the little girl quickly stepped back.
"What's wrong?"
"Shuangshuang is wearing a new dress…"
Su Xiaomeng saw that her daughter indeed had on a new dress. A white cotton dress with a light pink belt.
