but full enough for a family meal, with the smell of hot rice rising from the bowls and the soft steam from the dishes making the whole room feel a little warmer than the outside world. The windows were shut tight, and the apartment felt safe in that small, quiet way that made the danger beyond the door seem far away for a little while. Lili was sitting in her little seat, swinging her feet and looking proud of herself for being able to eat like a grown up, though every now and then she still looked up at Yan Cijin with round eyes and a face full of trust. Yan Cijin tucked her phone aside and smiled at her mother, trying to brush away the strange mood that had come over her after looking at the group chat. She knew her mother would notice if she stayed too quiet, and she did not want the meal to become heavy.
"No, no, Bai Li injured her hand. I was worried she wouldn't be able to cook for herself, so I wanted to invite her over to eat." Yan Cijin coughed lightly and said.
