Chapter 11: Coming of Age
I sit at the table where my entire family is sitting. Today is a special day.
On this fine summer morning breakfast is quiet. But it won't be for long.
As a woman this is my coming of age year, but hidden, I will have to wait until I am twenty.
Today is my birthday.
My parent plan on holding a Ji Li for me in private and a Guan Li in public when I am old enough.
My daughters are about six months in of life.
When I finish my tea I excuse myself from the table.
I feel different.
My hair grew two inches and I have chopped off five in my past year of life.
I got married, found out I was a woman, became a father figure to two children from said marriages, watched my children grow, fixed Pei Ling's feet, cooked with Wenrou, sang in the fields with Hua Li.
Fifteen is a big number.
As I age much of what I am will be insignificant as more things encompass the old.
"Happy birthday Gao Gonzi!" The people yell from the gate.
The yells of joy continue until the people get tired and go home.
"I love all of these people." I mutter with a smile.
I head back inside after washing my face
Finally, I head off to work for the day.
Surely, this will be an easy task to finish before my birthday is celebrated.
It is sunset by the time I return home.
Finally alone I walk into my room.
"Such a special child, Gao He Shen are you happy with your children?" A voice asks.
Unsure how to respond I answer.
"Yes, I love them very much."
"They were made as special as you were. They will like you, be the heroes of human kind."
I watch as my fingertips begin to glitter purple.
The glittery mist filters into the air. and dissipates into the air before regenerating.
I gasp as I look at my hands.
The voice chuckles.
"What do you mean by that statement goddess?"
"You will see child of Gao family."
Then it was my turn to chuckle.
"This is the first time you reveal yourself to me goddess, I wonder what have I done to deserve such blessing.
I turn to Pei Ling who is holding Shuang Lin.
Daiyu who is on the floor, begins to crawl towards me.
"Hello, little one." I say picking her up.
Time to go and celebrate my birthday.
"I made changshou mian!" Wenrou chirps.