Hungry and Begging

This was how this beggar lost his legs, and thus, he resented every able-bodied person. He wished for everyone to endure the same suffering as he did.

Why should they have sound limbs when he was determined to see them dragging crippled bodies, enduring scorn as they begged?

The bystanders kept a close watch on Zhouzhou and the others. Though the distance blurred their faces, the children, especially unwanted ones, seemed perfect for their purposes. Both men curled their lips into sinister smiles.

"Keep a good eye on them. See if they have any family," one instructed. If they did, their faces would need to be marred beyond recognition.

"Yes," the beggar nodded eagerly, the thought of these children soon sharing his fate bringing him perverse satisfaction.

At that moment, Zhouzhou slept soundly, a golden mountain appearing in her dreams, rushing towards her. She couldn't help but laugh joyfully in her sleep.