"Mom—I really tried. Look at my body. There's no space left."
Something was definitely wrong with Lin Niaoniao. She was smiling.
With one finger, she pointed to each scar on her body, clearly recounting the circumstances under which she had cut herself.
"This one is the deepest, but it was so worth it. I placed first in the province that time. Mom was happy for a long, long time and bought me a new dress."
"This one is a little crooked. I did it at three in the morning. I was so sleepy my hand was shaking, but I hadn't finished the exercises Mom left for me, so I couldn't go to sleep."
"I made this one on my birthday. I remember I did ten practice exams that day. I didn't finish the quota Mom set, so she threw the cake away. I didn't get to eat any."
Lin Niaoniao's words made everyone around—men and women, young and old—unable to hold back their tears.
"Niao Niao, don't say any more. Please, don't say any more."
