As Petals Fall

He stood under the cherry blossom tree, eyes aimlessly staring at the falling petals.

"Xue Er, come in! You're going to catch a cold if you keep standing there," said a woman in her mid-60s.

"Niang, your son's a dummy. He won't catch a cold!" Referring to himself, he smiled gleefully at his mother.

"I have told you countless times, not to call yourself that. You're our pride and joy."

Truthfully, to him, those words sounded more like the silly phrases that parents used to encourage their young children to behave.

Sitting next to his loving mother, his mind drifted away yet again.

It was his older brother that came into his mind; Ran Huo, a man whose caliber surpassed his previous generals and had made his own name known throughout the continent.

"I'm nothing like him. I'm just… me." Slowly pouring the tea into his mother's cup, his eyes were full of despair, as if he was clutching the sympathy of his family.

His mother knew, and she had indeed tried numerous ways to revive the former Ran Xue, her precious youngest son.

It all began 10 years ago, when the mansion was engulfed in flame, causing the death of several house servants and most importantly their father — Ran Jian.

Having been born with a weak mind and constitution, Ran Xue's youth disappeared as this permanent scar was left on him.

All he could remember was his name and nothing else.

Not having any recollection of the event that had traumatized him, he dwelled in guilt and shame of not achieving anything.

His brother became someone admirable, while he was locked inside his own home. He saw himself as a bird trapped in a luxurious cage, but lacked the courage to free himself.

His smiling face, joyful laughter, and almost mischievous-like character were just a façade for him to survive; if not, for his dear mother who cherished him.

To be continued.

[Story will be limited to around 300 words per chapter. Thanks for reading!]