The man sat up and reached for the cigarettes on the nightstand. With a "click," the air, already thick with the heady scent of musk, was now infused with a faint aroma of smoke.

Su Xiang mechanically threw off the covers and got out of bed. She bent down to pick up the robe that had been thrown on the floor and wrapped it around herself. In the dim light, she dragged her aching limbs into the bathroom.

There is no need to look back, because knowing the outcome wouldn't elicit any pitying glances, not even a cold one.

The shower starts with cool water, standing under the spray, I clean myself inside and out.

He didn't, yet he repeatedly demanded, with that kind of utter lack of...

Inside and outside... because the side effects of taking birth control pills were severe, and he didn't like using protection, he could only use such a stupid way.

I know washing this way won't get it clean, but I'm really afraid of getting pregnant. If I do get pregnant...

He refused to stay any longer...

Stepping out of the bathroom, I found the bedside lamp with its dim, wired glow had been extinguished. The room was pitch black and the smell of smoke hung heavier in the air.

Su Xiang had already gotten used to it, used to the point of the doorknob, opening the door and going out.

In the spare bedroom, half-sitting on the bed, looking at the marriage certificate in her hand.

This tattered red marriage certificate was patched up with tape. Both the photos and the signatures of the two people were full of cracks.

Do you still remember that day when I cried hysterically and tore up the evidence, he just coldly said: Stick it back together.

Put the marriage certificate under the pillow, lay back into the bed, and close your eyes.

……

Su Xiang needs to get up early and prepare breakfast.

Fu Ying's little boy hugged his mother and tilted his head back, showing off his pearly white teeth: "Mama, good morning."

Su Xiang bent down and kissed her son's cute little face. She picked him up and then turned down the fire on the stove. Holding her son, she went back to his nursery.

Fu Yinyi was over a year old, less than two years old. He was still unsteady on his feet when he walked and only spoke in simple words. However, this child was smart and mischievous. After learning to walk, he would often climb out of his bed.

Su Xiang changed his diaper and put on the little prince costume for him. Then she held him to brush his teeth and wash his face.

The little boy finished washing his face and, taking advantage of Su Xiang tidying up, ran outside again.

Su Xiang rubbed a dab of baby cream on her palm and chased after him. She caught up to him in the hallway.

The little boy was held in Fu Hanchuan's arms, his strong arms supporting him. He was wearing a crisp shirt with no wrinkles, and he had his suit jacket draped over his arm; he always put it on just before work.

The little boy was playing with his tie, pushing it deeper in. Su Xiang stepped forward and gently put her hand on him, shaking her head. The little boy grinned cheekily and showed his pearly white teeth.

Fu Hanchuan put the child on the ground, the little guy's feet touched the ground and he wanted to run again. Su Xiang grabbed him and applied baby cream to his little face.

There was a burnt smell in the air. Su Xiang was startled and hurriedly stood up to run to the kitchen. When she accidentally kicked against a chair, she yelped in pain.

"Ah—" A grating sound, like a stringed instrument being forcibly pulled out of tune.

Seeing the man's furrowed brow, Su Xiang immediately lowered her voice and hurried towards the kitchen.

It's a mute, it can't speak.

(Editor in charge:cormac mccarthy novels)