Terrifying Sight

"Yifei, what are you doing outside?"

Song Yifei paused at the sound of her husband's voice behind her. She turned slightly, startled, not because she hadn't recognized the voice, but because she had been so focused. A few moments ago, she had been walking toward her mother-in-law's room, worried about her fragile health that had seemed more delicate than usual today. But what stopped her mid-step was something unexpected—a soft voice, her son's voice, echoing faintly in the quiet of the house. It startled her because Xiaobao was supposed to be fast asleep.

"I heard Xiaobao's voice," she said as she turned toward Lu Zhaolin. Her eyes were searching the shadows in the hallway, still convinced she hadn't imagined it.

Lu Zhaolin gave her a small shake of the head, his tone gentle but tired. "You might be imagining it, Yifei. He's fast asleep. You're probably just overthinking."