cw: not so explicit gore, but it's there :)
***
Along with that realization, a permanent rift seemed to wedge itself between the mother and son, driving them apart and turning them estranged. They could no longer reconcile as easily as they once did.
This time, Mother Rui's manic episodes lasted longer, and whenever Rui Ye so much as mentioned the word 'dream', she would beat him. Sometimes, she would also beat him without any reason, simply because she was afraid of his gaze on her. Afraid that the next words he spoke, it would be a death curse directed at her. The increasing suspicion and paranoia gnawed at her mind and spirit, making it seem like she had truly lost her mind.