Ling went to sleep early, so she woke up early too.
She had slept her fill not long after nightfall.
When she woke up and didn't see her mommy or daddy, she immediately started wailing at the top of her lungs.
It was rare to hear Ling cry with such vigor. Instead of being annoyed, everyone in the courtyard was delighted.
Having the strength to cry was a good thing.
Ling's illness was finally getting better!
Mei Wanying wouldn't let her mother enter the courtyard to see Ling, but Mrs. Mei couldn't rest easy and came to stand at the courtyard gate every day for a while.
She came during the day, and she came at night too.
Unable to sleep this particular night, she decided to come and listen for any sounds.
When she faintly heard Ling's cries, Mrs. Mei's eyes grew moist.
"Just a few nights ago, Ling didn't even have the strength to cry."
