Jake was sprawled on his bed, scrolling through social media feeds that seemed to blur into a monotonous stream of memes, selfies, and food pics. His cramped apartment was dimly lit, the flickering bulb doing little to lift the gloom that had settled over him.
Li Jingshen, a successful businessman in Rong City, looked like a shadow of his former self. His eyes were dark and weary, lips cracked, and his skin was deathly pale. This winter was undoubtedly the harshest he had ever endured.
He stared at the bracelet on his wrist, a memento from his ex-wife, Shen Zhichu. The bracelet was a bit tight, rubbing his wrist red.
He looked at the small decorative lock on it. The lock had never been opened, even surviving the intense fire that had claimed Shen Zhichu's life. But why hadn't it managed to keep her safe?
Li Jingshen clenched the lock, a sour sensation surging in his nostrils, his eyes stinging with the urge to cry.
He lowered his head, like a hedgehog curling up in self-defense when threatened. He pulled at the bracelet, his body trembling uncontrollably.
The driver stole a glance at Li Jingshen through the rearview mirror and sighed softly.