When I uttered that word, I was struck dumb for a moment. It's been three years, three whole years since I last saw Ninth Master Chang, and at first, I missed him dearly. I was worried he might become despondent or that he might be grieving.
I was also afraid he might hate me.
But as time went on, I also began to wonder if he might forget about me.
There were so many beautiful Little Winged Snakes in the Winged Snake Clan.
One or two years, maybe he wouldn't forget, but what about ten or eight years? After a whirlwind of wild thoughts, I simply stopped thinking about it altogether.
Forcing myself not to think about Ninth Master Chang anymore, the frequency of my yearning for him gradually lessened. He became the most beautiful memory tucked away in my heart.
"Lord, how have you been lately?"
I couldn't see anything anymore, but when I closed my eyes, I could feel the presence of my beloved sitting beside me.