Chapter 52
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"Mom… Mom, where are you…?"
Jiang Li's voice echoed softly through the quiet house as he stepped inside, still wearing his school backpack. The place felt unusually still that afternoon, as if it were holding its breath. He moved through the rooms, calling out again, but there was no answer. A faint unease settled in his chest, though he quickly pushed it aside and made his way toward the garden.
That was when he saw her.
In the distance, seated on a simple cement bench, was his mother.
She sat quietly, facing the garden as if lost in a world of her own. The warm afternoon sunlight fell gently over her, illuminating her pale skin and giving it a soft glow. Her long black hair rested against her shoulders, slightly tousled by the breeze, and for a moment, she looked almost unreal—like a painting brought to life.
She was beautiful.
So beautiful that Jiang Li couldn't help but smile as he approached her.
But the moment he got closer, his steps slowed.
