New Year?

Father was watching with a disapproving frown. He thought Su Liang was too old to show emotions like that, as if a boy couldn't be sad.

They would have to leave for the airport soon. Father needed to return to W country to conduct business as usual.

Though I wished they could have stayed longer, but Fu Shao and I would leave for B City centre today as well.

My little brother sniffed, then pulled back, looking up at me.

A tears pressed against my eyes but I held them back. If I started crying now, things would only get harder for everyone, especially Qina and Qinli.

They both hovered a couple of steps behind Su Liang, waiting for their turn to say good-bye.

As Father stood already beside the black rental Mercedes, impatient to leave.

"I will see you again soon," I promised, but I wasn't sure when soon would be.

New Year?

That was still four months away. The thought settled like a heavy stone in the pit of my stomach.

"When?" Su Liang jutted out his lower lip.

"Soon."

"We don't have forever. The plane will leave without us," Father said sharply.

"Come here, Son."

With a last longing look at me, Su Liang shuffled over to Father who immediately began scolding him.

My heart felt so heavy, I wasn't sure how it could stay in my chest without crushing my ribs.

Fu Shao pulled up behind the Mercedes in his Golden Aston Martin Vanquish and got out, but my attention shifted to Qinli who threw her arms around me, and after a moment Qina joined in the hug.

My sisters, my best friends, my confidantes, my world.

So I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. I never wanted to let them go. I wanted to take them with me to B City centre. They could live in our apartment, or even get their own.

At least, then I'd have someone whom I loved and who loved me back.

"I'm going to miss you so much, big sister," Qinli whispered between hiccupped sobs.

And Qina didn't say anything. She only pressed her face into the crook of my neck and cried. Qina, who almost never cried.

My most strong little sister, but impulsive Qina. I wasn't sure how long we held onto each other, and I didn't care who saw this open display of weakness.

Let them all see what true love meant.

Most of them would never experience it I lifted my face.

Then my Mother walked up to us, briefly touched my cheek, then took Qinli arm and led her away from me.

Another piece of myself gone and Qina didn't loosen her iron grip on me.

"SU QINA!" Father's voice was like a whip.

She raised her head, eyes red, her freckles standing out even more.

We locked gazes and for a moment neither of us said anything.

"Call me every day, big sister . Every single day," Qina said fiercely.

"Swear it to me, big sister."

"I swear," I choked out.

"Qina, for God sake! Do I have to come get you?"

She backed away from me slowly, then she whirled around and practically fled into the car. I walked a few steps after them as their car drove down the long driveway.