The sun had just begun its descent when Mei Lin and Jun crested the final hill leading to the village. Smoke curled from chimneys, children's laughter carried on the warm evening breeze, and the scent of woodfires and cooking filled the air.
From the road below, villagers caught sight of them and began to gather. Farmers set down their baskets, women paused mid-churn, and even the blacksmith waved, hammer in hand. The familiar voices called out in unison:
"She's back! Mei Lin is home!"
Mei Lin felt her chest tighten, warmth spreading from her heart. She slowed her horse, letting Jun guide her gently down the familiar paths. The villagers pressed closer, curious, excited, and grateful.
A few children ran ahead, weaving between the adults, their hands outstretched to greet the healer who had tended their small injuries and soothed their fevers.
"Miss Mei Lin!" a little girl called, tugging at her sleeve. "We missed you so much!"
Mei Lin bent down, letting the girl climb onto her knee. She laughed softly, the sound catching in her throat. "And I missed you," she said, stroking the girl's hair. "Take good care of your herbs while I was away, okay?"
A group of elders approached next, each offering a small token of welcome—a woven basket of fresh vegetables, a jar of honey, a bouquet of wildflowers. Jun carried them carefully, smiling quietly beside her. Mei Lin bowed to each of them, humbled by their generosity.
---
At the center of the courtyard stood Auntie Rong, leaning lightly on her wooden cane. Her eyes sparkled as she stepped forward, embracing Mei Lin tightly.
"You're home, finally," Auntie Rong whispered, holding her shoulders at arm's length to look at her face. "I knew the Healing Garden couldn't keep you away forever."
"I… I have missed you," Mei Lin admitted, feeling a lump in her throat. "And everything here… it feels just the same, yet different."
Auntie Rong chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "It is the same because of you. And different because of the work you've done, the hands you've helped, and the hearts you've touched. Come, let me see how the garden has fared while you were gone."
Jun followed behind, quietly tending to the horses and helping carry the elders' gifts.
That evening, Mei Lin began her work. A young boy had scraped his knee while climbing the plum tree; Mei Lin washed the wound carefully, explaining to him how to keep it clean.
"Can I help?" he asked, eyes wide.
"Of course," Mei Lin said, handing him a clean cloth. Together, they wrapped the knee gently. The boy beamed. "Like this?"
"Exactly," Mei Lin replied, smiling. "Well done."
Auntie Rong watched from nearby, her hands folded in front of her, a proud smile on her face. "Patience, Mei Lin. You've always had it, and now you teach it too."
Jun moved quietly beside her, handing out salves and water, learning her small routines so he could assist. Mei Lin noticed his hands were steady, patient, and careful—a different kind of support than before, but equally valuable.
Later, she gathered the young girls from the village. They sat in a semi-circle on the soft grass while Mei Lin demonstrated how to identify safe herbs and make simple salves. She encouraged them to sniff, touch, and remember each plant, telling little stories about their uses. The girls giggled when Jun tried to balance the mortar and pestle, tipping slightly over, and Mei Lin laughed along with them.
"Patience, Jun," she said softly. "It's not about speed."
He chuckled, bowing his head. "I'll learn."
Auntie Rong leaned close, whispering to Mei Lin, "You've grown, child. But never forget the quiet care that brought you here."
---
By twilight, the Healing Garden glowed softly under lanterns hung by helpful hands. Mei Lin sat on the old rocking chair, Jun beside her, and Auntie Rong nearby, knitting quietly.
"Did you miss it?" Jun asked, nodding toward the village.
She breathed in the mingled scents of mint, rosemary, and warm bread baking from the nearby kitchens. "I did," she said. "More than I thought I would."
The children's laughter, the chatter of neighbors, the gentle breeze stirring the herbs—all of it reminded her of why she had chosen this path. She wasn't just a healer; she was part of something bigger. A community, a family, a rhythm of life that welcomed care, patience, and love.
Jun smiled quietly, watching her take it all in. "It suits you," he said softly.
"I think it suits me," Mei Lin replied, her gaze sweeping over the village. "And I think… I'm ready to grow even more."
Auntie Rong nodded approvingly. "And I'll be here, every step of the way. Even when you reach beyond the village, your roots are still ours."
As night deepened, Mei Lin and Jun walked through the village one last time, checking that everyone was settled, that the elderly were comfortable, that the children had water and blankets. The Healing Garden rested peacefully, and Mei Lin felt a quiet sense of completion.
Tomorrow, work would begin in earnest. But tonight, she allowed herself to simply be home.