A Mother's Love*

Mother Rui fell into a daze, her knuckles whitening on the doorframe. W–What did the Chief just say? Take Rui Ye away? He offered to… take Rui Ye away… from her? 

A choked sound escaped her trembling lips, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. It would be so easy… as long as she agreed, Rui Ye would be gone and she didn't have to be tormented by this suffocating fear anymore. All she had to do was utter one word or simply nod her head, and the troubles that had been plaguing her day and night over these past few years would vanish with a poof. She would once again regain peace. There seemed to be a devilish and tempting voice inside her mind, urging her 'what are you waiting for? This kind of offer won't come twice!' but when she opened her mouth to speak, the image of Rui Ye's bright smile and his delicate voice calling her 'mother' suddenly flashed in her mind, and what came out of her mouth became: 

"No…"