-------
When the dishes had been cleared and the light had turned to a deep, soft orange, Han Yan stood and bowed his head.
"Thank you for the meal. We've troubled you enough."
"It's no trouble" Lui De said. He was already wrapping a few buns in a clean cloth. "T-take these. For tomorrow morning."
Lin Xin accepted them with both hands and a smile. "You give us too much."
"We're like a family" Wei Jun said, waving a hand.
Wei Fan had not let go of Dong Hai's sleeve all this time. "Hai-Hai, come back tomorrow! We'll feed the chicks again!"
Dong Hai looked up at him. He seemed to think it over seriously, as if it were a very important agreement. Then he nodded once.
"I'll see" he said. His hand slightly squeezed Wei Fan's before letting go.
Han Yan took Dong Hai's hand and the boy held on to his left while Lin Xin walked beside him on his right. The three headed toward the courtyard gate.
