The man collecting the gift money led Yang Zhen, the daughter of Aunt Yang, through the bustling banquet tables. They stopped at the corner of the venue, in the food preparation area, and pointed towards a large pot. Beside the pot stood a woman, busily working. "Aunt Yang is over there," he said, "Go find her quickly. She will be so happy to see you!"
Yang Zhen's gaze fell upon the busy figure. She quickened her pace towards her, her lips trembling as she approached. "Mother, I'm back," she called out, "Mom!"
In the last few steps, Yang Zhen broke into a run. Aunt Yang, hearing the familiar voice she had longed for day and night, thought she was hallucinating. Still, she instinctively turned around.