An An whispered, "I'm not angry..."
The shadow trembled and said, "But you're always getting mad at him!"
An An lifted her hand as if to scratch her head, but quickly remembered Sister Jiang's admonition that it was unladylike, and lowered it promptly.
She muttered, "It's not anger... I just think speaking loudly keeps people from ignoring me."
"An An—"
An An took a deep breath, gritted her teeth, and said, "Stop talking about it. I've already made up my mind! I cannot let my good buddy down!"
"You'll support me, right?" An An asked.
The shadow was silent for a long time before it finally said in a low voice, "I'll always support you, but only you."
"You're so nice," An An said with a smile.
The shadow slowly receded like the tide.
The light of the lamp and stars and moon outside the window reclaimed every dark corner.
