This Is True Love

Beneath the shade of the trees, a handful of children bounced and tumbled about, their laughter drifting over the rice fields to where adults toiled. Even the grown-ups couldn’t help but smile knowingly at the sound—children truly were the embodiment of innocence and delight.

But wait—an unwelcome figure was approaching.

Everyone lifted their heads to peer down the narrow path ahead. A small form strolled slowly toward them. Judging by the slender build and the ponytail bobbing behind, it was a girl. She wore drab, earth-colored clothes and clattered along in wooden clogs, her face growing clearer as she drew near.

An elderly woman gasped, ducking her head, and the others, upon seeing the girl, quickly followed suit. Several adults exchanged glances and began to whisper in lowered voices.

The girl walked straight to the shade without so much as a glance at anyone. The children who had been playing froze, shrinking together in fear and staring at her in alarm.

“Shengmei, it’s time to go home for lunch,” the girl called out, her voice ringing clear and calm.

From among the huddled children, a petite girl emerged, stealing a cautious glance at the newcomer before murmuring, “Cousin.”

The girl nodded. “Father and Mother asked me to fetch you for lunch.”

“All right, I’ll come with you now,” the little girl replied softly, then turned to bid farewell to her friends. “Everyone, my cousin came to get me for lunch. Let’s play again later.”

“Shengmei, come back soon. We’re digging for loaches this afternoon!” a tall boy called