the full truth either, because there were some things she still could not explain to her mother. But Bai Li could tell she was already carrying a lot in her head. The way she paused before answering, the way her eyes turned serious for a second, all of it showed that there was more going on than simple worry over supplies. Bai Li did not push. Instead, she stayed quiet and let the woman keep the words she was not ready to say. Sometimes that was the kindest thing a person could do.
