As Shengbei stood at the doorstep, the warm sunlight casting a golden glow on his face, he felt a mix of emotions swirling inside him. The familiar scent of Natasha's perfume wafted through the air, transporting him back to memories of his childhood in China.
"Look how you've grown, you're now a man, not a boy," Natasha said, her eyes shining with a warm smile as she opened the door wide, inviting him in. Her voice was like music to Shengbei's ears, and he felt a sense of comfort wash over him.
Shengbei's eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled, feeling a bit self-conscious as he stepped inside. The soft creak of the door and the rustle of Natasha's clothes created a sense of intimacy, making him feel like he was home.
"You've also changed a lot, and I couldn't even recognize you either," Shengbei said, taking a seat on the couch, running his hand over the soft fabric. The texture brought back memories of his childhood, and he felt a pang of nostalgia.
Natasha chuckled, sitting down beside him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How is China? Where is Uncle? Have you visited your former house?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine interest.
Shengbei took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts as he gazed out the window, watching the leaves rustle in the breeze. "Actually, China is fine. Dad has remained there. He fears Mom's life memories in America. Speaking of visiting our former home, I fear to go there alone because the place has a lot of memories that will make me cry like a baby."
Natasha's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, her touch warm and comforting. "Don't worry, I'll escort you there. You won't be alone. I'll even escort you on your job search journey."
Shengbei's eyes welled up with gratitude, and he smiled, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him. "Thank you, Natasha. I appreciate it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Natasha smiled back, her eyes shining with kindness, and handed him a cup of steaming hot tea. The aroma wafted up, and Shengbei felt a sense of peace wash over him.
As they sipped their tea, Shengbei couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him. He had missed this, missed the warmth and comfort of family.
But amidst the warmth, a pang of sadness struck him. He thought of his mother, and the memories they had made in this very house. He thought of the life they had built, and the life he had left behind.
Shengbei's eyes dropped, and he felt a lump form in his throat. Natasha noticed the change in his expression and squeezed his shoulder gently.
"It's okay, Shengbei. It's okay to remember. It's okay to miss her," she said, her voice soft and soothing.
Shengbei nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew he wasn't alone, and he had people who cared about him.
As they sat in silence for a moment, Shengbei realized that he had grown so much, and yet, he still had so much to learn. He was no longer the boy who had left China, but he was still finding his way.
Natasha's voice broke the silence, "Let's get you settled, and then we'll head out. You've got a lot to catch up on."
Shengbei nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Natasha. He knew he had made the right decision, coming back to America.
As they stood up, Shengbei felt a sense of determination wash over him. He was ready to face whatever came his way, ready to take on the world.
The city was a dark and scary place, but Shengbei was not afraid. He was ready to face whatever came his way, ready to take on the world.
And as he walked alongside Natasha, he knew that he wasn't alone. He had people who cared about him, and he had a future to build.