Huilin was so upset, but she wouldn't give up. She tried to throw off the darkness, but the darkness of her life held her tight, like its own shadow. Still, Huilin tried to build herself stronger. She again continued going to school, but her mother never once realized why Huilin had suddenly stopped talking, or what had happened to her voice. She didn't even care.

In the hallways. her younger sister and brother, along with their friends, began to bully Huilin. She couldn't fight back; she had pushed herself into being mute, and now the silence was a wall against her, too.

The streets became too much. One night Huilin ran from her mother's house. She just walked the streets, whispering in her heart that maybe this path would finally bring her to her destiny. She walked and walked, searching for someone-anyone-who could help her reclaim her lost childhood life.

Eventually, Huilin grew tired and sat under a tree. She was terribly hungry, but she had no money to buy food. She began to cry, thinking of her Granny who had loved her and made her tasty dishes.

Then, a lady saw Huilin crying. She came over and gently placed her hand on Huilin's head. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

Huilin didn't reply.

The lady brought Huilin back to her house. "Don't cry anymore,"she said. "Your eyes are so beautiful. Don't bring tears to your eyes; let them shine like you."

When Huilin heard those kind words, she immediately stopped crying. She sat on a chair,quiet and watchful. The lady went to bring food. When Huilin saw the warm dish, she couldn't help but smile.The lady saw her smile.

"Where did you live before you came here?" the lady asked.

Huilin didn't give her a reply. The lady quietly understood that Huilin couldn't speak.

Author's Note: My dear flowers, my heart broke writing this chapter 🌸. Seeing Huilin face so much coldness from her own family, only to finally find a spark of warmth and kindness from a stranger, is a huge turning point for her. The silence she chose as a shield has truly become her prison, but a new door is finally opening.

What did you think of the sweet lady who took her in? If this chapter touched your heart, please don't forget to Subscribe 🔔, drop a Like ❤️, and leave a comment below! I cherish every single one of your thoughts. See you in the next update! ✨