The Burden

"Who is he?" Li Juan examined the boy in the photograph with sparkling curiosity. He looked familiar, yet she couldn't figure out his identity. 

"They are our nephews." Lin Li-Hui added with an affectionate smile and helped the young lady who was lost in thoughts. "Jun and Yu."

"Oh, they are so cute. It must be nice to have cousins." Li Juan agreed while her focus remained on the picture as she searched in her memories for a boy who had such an expressive eyes. However, when she saw Lin Li-Hui's confused face, Li Juan gave a clarification to her last comment that appeared vague. 

"I am the only child in my family." 

"Then your parents must have loved you a lot." Lin Li-Hui beamed at the girl who affirmed her statement with a bitter smile. 

"Mrs, Zhang, can I say something inappropriate?" Li Juan inquired randomly as if she was trying to change the topic. "I think I envy you, Mrs Zhang."