Shao-Guan, Guangdong Province
"Xin Yue! Xin Yue!"
Aunt Zheng Meng Yao's voice reached my ears, pulling me from my thoughts. I hadn't been asleep—I had been waiting for this day.
I opened my eyes and smiled.
"Good morning, Aunt Meng Yao."
"Oh, little Xin Yue, you're finally awake," she said warmly. "Come, your mother is waiting outside. Get ready."
I jumped down from the bed and rushed into the bathroom.
Finally…
Today, I will see my father again.
It had been five years since we left this place. I was only four then. Today, I turned nine. Meeting my father felt like the best birthday gift I could ever receive.
When I stepped outside, I saw my mother sitting beside the well in our compound.
"Mom!"
I ran toward her and hugged her tightly.
"Good morning, Mommy."
She smiled, but something about her felt different. Her face looked pale, and her eyes were tired.
"Xin Yue," she said softly, patting my head. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Mommy."
"Come," she said, standing up. "Let's go get your birthday gift."
Holding her hand, we left the compound together.
As we walked toward our former village, a question that had been troubling me slipped out.
"Mom… is Father finally going to accept us back?"
She paused for a moment before answering. "I pray he does."
I noticed the tears forming in her eyes.
"I remember Father never liked us," I murmured, turning away so she wouldn't see my face.
"Bai Xin Yue."
"Yes, Mommy?"
She knelt in front of me and gently held my face.
"Your father never disliked us," she said quietly. "He only wanted a male child."
She placed a hand on her swollen belly and forced a smile. "Hopefully, this baby will be a boy."
Her tears fell despite her smile.
"I'll be the happiest mother in the world," she whispered.
My chest hurts. I hated him at that moment—for making her cry.
"Mom, please don't cry," I said, touching her belly. "My baby brother won't like seeing you sad."
She chuckled softly and wiped her tears.
"We should hurry," she said. "We mustn't anger your father."