CHAPTER 45: SHELTER FROM THE STORM

Nuan Nuan dashed into her room, her heart racing. She swiftly packed her clothes, her hands shaking.

She couldn't burden Si Kong with another man's child. It would be extortion, taking advantage of his kindness.

With a heavy heart, she gathered her belongings and the little money Si Kong had given her.

As she sneaked out of the house, the night breeze enveloped her, carrying the scent of uncertainty.

Nuan Nuan walked without direction, lost in thought. The darkness seemed to swallow her whole.

Where could she go?

What would she do?

The city lights blurred together, a kaleidoscope of confusion.

Her footsteps slowed, and she stopped beneath a streetlamp.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"What have I gotten myself into?" she whispered.

Suddenly, a gust of wind carried Si Kong's voice.

"Nuan Nuan!"

As Nuan Nuan raised her head, she met the warm gaze of a middle-aged man. His kind face softened the harshness of the night.

"Miss, what are you doing here alone?" he asked, concern etched in his voice.

Nuan Nuan hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Uhm... nothing. I'll get going now."

The man's expression turned sympathetic. "You look like you need a place to stay. There's a shelter for the homeless just around the corner. Take a left; it's not hard to find."

Grateful, Nuan Nuan thanked him and stood up, her weary body protesting.

She made her way to the shelter, the neon lights of the city giving way to the humble glow of the shelter's entrance.

Inside, the sight of people sleeping on the ground struck her. She thought to herself, "This should make do for a few days."

Approaching the counter, Nuan Nuan registered her name. The person in charge looked up, curiosity in their eyes.

"You don't look poor. Why come to a place like this?"

Nuan Nuan's faint smile hinted at untold stories. "Just need a place to rest," she said softly.

With that, she took the assigned mat and walked away, her secrets locked within.

As she settled in, the sounds of the shelter surrounded her: whispers, coughs, and the occasional snore.

Nuan Nuan closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting to Si Kong and the life she left behind.