When the gatebell rang, Lu Shen was drying his hair, so Zeyang went to answer. As soon as he saw the person on the camera, his eyes widened in surprise.
"You foolish boy! Why didn't you tell me anything? I had to hear it from a journalist!" The woman, a head shorter but with harmonious and graceful features, stepped toward him.
"Mom…"
But she grabbed him and pulled him close. "You scared me to death! How are you?"
"Fine, now I'm fine."
"Why didn't you tell me anything?" she asked, finally letting him go and looking him up and down.
"I didn't want to make you worry."
She shot him a reproachful look, then shifted her gaze to the man who had just arrived and was watching them in confusion.
"Mom, he is…"
"Your partner."
"…Lu Shen," he continued more slowly, looking at her questioningly.
She shrugged. "I'm a mother, we understand these things." Then she looked at the wizard and turned back to her son. Finally she nodded, satisfied.
"…anyway… how did you find me here?" Zeyang resumed.
"As soon as the journalist called to interview me, as the mother of one of the heroes who saved the city, I took the first available flight. You weren't home, so I looked for you at work and your chief was kind enough to tell me where I could find you."
"Where will you sleep?"
"I didn't have time to arrange anything. Now I'll look for a hotel."
"Wait, I'll get you the keys to my apartment."
"Good, that way I'll tidy it up and leave your pantry stocked."
"That's not necessary, Mom."
She smiled at him. "I'll stay a few days, I hope we can see each other again."
He nodded and smiled back. "Of course, Mom."
"Take care of yourselves, boys, and you, son, dry your hair or you'll catch a cold," she concluded, addressing Lu Shen.
After she left, Zeyang remained with his eyes lowered. "I'm sorry," he said.
"And why?"
"My mother is…"
"A wonderful person."
Zeyang turned to look at him. "I was about to say embarrassing."
The wizard shook his head. "She's direct and straightforward. I like her. You resemble her."
The detective smiled.
---
That evening, while Lu Shen washed the dishes and Zeyang dried them, the wizard glanced at him sideways, then asked, "And your father?"
"He died when I was ten. He was a seeker, he taught me everything he knew, but he used up all his energy. It wasn't possible to save him."
Lu Shen looked at him, but before he could speak, Zeyang did. "No, you're not in any condition to say anything: you almost burned out!"
The wizard lowered his eyes and a shy smile curved his lips.
Later, Zeyang watched him as he finished tidying up. He too had questions to ask Lu Shen, but he knew the time had not yet come. He smiled. He was not in a hurry.