Hard Restraint

Under the hazy moonlight, veiled as if by a thin layer of mist, a desolate chill spread across the ground, bringing waves of icy coldness.

Li Zhangjie tightened his thick cotton jacket, hurrying along the road home.

The flat cobblestone path reflected the moonlight, resembling a long silver ribbon, beautifully and carelessly strewn across the earth.

The Li family still lived in the small courtyard rented by Li Zhangjie. Li's father, wearing a coat, hands tucked in his sleeves, paced back and forth at the doorway, waiting for his son's return.

Each time he paced by the door, he would glance out, his worry evident. It was dark already, yet his son had not returned.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness. On closer inspection, it was indeed his son. Li's father quickly stepped forward and handed Li Zhangjie a warm handwarmer, "Warm your hands."