Chapter 4: The Lingering Echo of Farewell

As night descended, Kai rose from his bed and settled by the door, peering out into the darkness. Each star, a tiny speck of light in the vast darkness, seemed to hold a secret waiting to be uncovered.

As he continued to gaze at the stars, a sense of tranquility washed over Kai. The weight of his questions and uncertainties dissolved, replaced by a calming peace that enveloped his mind. Exhaustion crept in, his eyelids growing heavy as a wave of drowsiness overtook him.

In his slumber, Kai found himself in a scorching desert under the blazing sun. Lost and disoriented, he trudged through the endless sands, each step a struggle against the oppressive heat. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he pressed forward.

Amidst the desolation, a haunting cry pierced the silence, filled with anguish and desperation that echoed through the emptiness. The voice called out to him, stirring a sense of recognition deep within his soul.

"Hua Xia!" Kai's voice rang out as he sprinted toward the sound, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and relief as he recognized the familiar cry. With each desperate step, the cries grew louder, carrying the weight of unspoken regrets and longing.

As he approached, Kai saw a figure in the distance, shrouded in sorrow. It was his younger sister, Hua Xia, tears streaming down her cheeks as she reached out to him in despair. Her pleas for him to stay filled the air, tugging at his heart with a mix of emotions.

Racing forward, Kai finally reached his sister, enfolding her in a tight embrace as if to shield her from the pain. The weight of their shared grief hung heavy in the air, their bond strengthening with each passing moment.

But as he held onto her, Hua Xia began to fade, her form dissipating like mist in the wind. Panic gripped Kai as he clung to her vanishing presence, tears streaming down his face as he pleaded for her to stay, unwilling to let her slip away.

"Brother, for all the kindness you have bestowed upon me, I only wish for you to discover joy in your new journey. Happy birthday, brother Kai," Hua Xia's fleeting words lingered in the air, as her form dissipated, leaving behind a void that weighed heavy on Kai's heart.

Awakening with tears in his eyes, Kai found himself overwhelmed by the emotions of the dream. He gazed out of the door, where the morning sky painted a canvas of blue and white clouds, a stark contrast to the desert of his dream.

"Happy belated birthday to me," Kai murmured softly, a tint of melancholy in his voice.

A soft breeze fluttered through the door, carrying the sweet scent of flowers as a single blossom gently descended and landed on Kai's lap. It felt like a tender touch from his sister, a gentle reminder of her love and presence.

Holding the flower close to his heart, Kai felt a surge of gratitude and determination. Wiping away his tears, he vowed to cherish the gift of life and live each day with purpose, knowing that Hua Xia was watching over him from somewhere beyond.

"I'll make the most of this chance, Hua Xia," Kai whispered, feeling a renewed sense of hope and strength as he embraced the new day ahead.