You Still Have Me
"Mom... Mom... Mom.." He whimpered, sobbing in a quiet tone.
Lin Jiaojiao felt her heart aching when she saw this. Originally, she felt wary of this child after her experience of being tricked by people but now, she realized that not all people in the apocalypse were scums. Some were simply victims of their situation.
She did not say anything and decided to wrap her arms around the child, patting his small back. This made Zhang Youji cry even harder. His whimper turning into sobs until he was finally bawling.
"Big sister... Mom is really gone... She's gone now... I'm alone." They heard him say.
"Xiao Ji, your Mom has gone to a better place now. Your Mom wouldn't want you to be sad for her. Every mother would want their child to live a happy life. She would be happier if you were happy. For your Mom, you have to be strong. You must live well." Lin Jiaojiao whispered comfortingly as she hugged him towards her chest.
She was not good with children but at this time, she could not care about that. She only wanted to comfort the child in her arms who looked like her when she was small.
The words she told Zhang Youji were the words that her big brother often told her. Both of their parents died early, leaving a huge inheritance to them. While she still has her big brother in this life, Lin Jiaojiao still longed for the warmth of her mother and father.
A sibling was different from a parent.
But she also understood that it was hard not only hard for her but it was also hard for her big brother who was struggling to take care of her while focusing on his studies. Her big brother eventually graduated early and became a doctor because of his advanced skill and knowledge.
Lin Jiaojiao on the other hand, attended a private girl's school. She was never deprived of any material needs and was even able to enjoy the life of a white, rich, and pretty but it could never compare to the feeling of having a complete family.
When she was young, she would also cry very often and her big brother would hold her, asking her in a soft voice what was wrong.
"I want to see Mom. I want to eat Mom's homemade dishes. Braised pork, stirred fry noodles.. hic..."
Everytime her big brother heard this, he would quietly comfort her and take her to the kitchen. He would cook the meals that their mother made just so she would stop crying. Sometimes, he would even sing her a lullaby, read a few stories to her. He'd do all kinds of things to make her smile and help her forget the loneliness of not having a parent.
She was touched by her big brother's love for her and how much effort he placed in ensuring that she lives well but it was still different.
It was very different from a mother's love.
Which was why she understands a bit of Zhang Youji's loss...
And she also knows that while she might long for it, they shouldn't be hang up with it, or else they might forget about the people who are still there.
"Xiao Ji, Big sister is here for you. You can cry as much as you want. Big sister isn't going to leave you. Crying is good because it means you're alive..." ..and could feel the pain of living... Lin Jiaojiao said in her mind while closing her eyes.
Lilian Mo did not feel anything while watching this scene. She had a mother once but that person wasn't always there which was why when she lost that person at an early age, she barely felt a thing.
When she grew up, she got used to the feeling of being alone and was even more comfortable doing things all by herself.
Later, she understood that she would eventually face people so she quickly did her best to adapt even if others perceived her as insensitive and cold.
"Momo.." Mu Qingqing said, tugging on her sleeve. The girl's eyes were downcast. Lilian Mo understood what was wrong with her with only a glance.
She placed a hand on the girl's head.
"You still have me. I'll never leave you. I won't make you sad," she told Mu Qingqing although Lilian Mo was not sure if she could really stay true to these words.
Someday, she might die. It might not be now but someday, that day will come.
Again.
Mu Qingqing's eyes watered. She leaned her forehead on Lilian Mo's shoulders.
"Momo, I believe you. But... I miss Mom. Seeing Xiao Ji cry out for his Mom made me remember my own mother. I also miss Dad." She sniffed quietly. The pain in the girl's voice made Lilian Mo guilty.
"Momo, was there really no other way? Will mutants remain mutants? There won't be a cure?" She asked in a tone that was neither hopeful nor grave. "Mom and Dad, they're going to be monsters forever? Are they even alive or have they been killed by other humans?"
Lilian Mo's eyes flashed with hidden emotion.
"I'm sorry... " She answered, making the girl sob on her shoulder. Lilian Mo patted her back gently, her eyes became cold, losing all their brightness.
Little girl, if I told you that they were still alive, would you hate me?
If I told you that they were the ones who sold you out, would you believe me?
If I told you that they've become people worst than monsters, would you leave me?
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