Gift Exchange

Shen Xi took off as she was frightened by the boy.

Snow started to fall heavily as soon as she exited the alley. 

She had no idea what was going through her head, but she bought soy milk and steamed dumplings before running back into the alley. 

Perhaps he was tired or maybe waiting for something, but he was still there. 

He seemed surprised as she came close. Even though he had not let his guard down, he was looking distraught.

Shen Xi, still afraid of him, threw the food on the ground and bolted off. She even gave him the new down coat that her mother gave her recently for fear that he might be cold.

She remembered vividly the white fur lining the hoodie of the red down coat. She loved it. She thought it was beautiful and had been wearing it ever since she got it from her mom.