That evening, Chen Momo looked across the way. The opposite building was no longer a pitch-black grid of boxes; one after another, the soft glow of flashlights and candles began to flicker through several families' windows.
Chen Momo and Xu Xiaoka had already established an unspoken division of labor. If Chen Momo went out to gather supplies, Xu Xiaoka would stay home to cook. If Xu Xiaoka went out, Chen Momo would take care of the meals.
Today was Chen Momo's turn on a supply run.
Before leaving the house that morning, she had wrapped herself up like a tightly bound bundle, swaddled in layers upon layers of clothing. She slapped body warmers onto her knees, thighs, and waist. She also tucked a hand warmer into each of her pockets, ensuring she could warm her hands halfway through the trip if it got too cold. Naturally, she was fully geared up in a thermal cotton-padded jacket, heavy winter boots, and fleece-lined socks and pants.
