Chapter 15 — Behind the Door is Still Home

I casually asked as she said. Doan Doan thought for a moment and then pointed to the pink unicorn, almost half its size, next to the TV shelf. I followed. The unicorn's back was also covered with a small blanket, clearly the place where she most often climbed to play.

“It looks good to the eye.”

I smiled slightly.

“When I was little, I didn't have as many toys as you.”

“Did you have a doll when you were little?”

Doan Doan's eyes immediately lit up.

“I have three dolls!”

I remember a long time ago, my mother gritted her teeth and bought me a plastic doll at the countryside market. It wears a red dress and its hair is stiff black plastic.

"But you only have one child. I have three children, and I'm much happier than you were when you were little."

Doan Doan half understood and half didn't smile, then bowed his head and continued peeling chocolate. Tri Tinh came out of the kitchen, wiped her hands and sat down on the other side of the sofa.

"Sister, are you tired of taking the train? Is the express train crowded today? I saw the news and saw that it's rush hour."

“It's okay.” I replied leisurely. “It's just that the queue for a taxi took a while.”

“Next time let Chu Hao pick you up.”

Tri Tinh laughed.

"We don't know exactly what day you'll be returning. Two days ago, your parents said you must be very busy, so how could you give up the project and come back?"

I just said "um" and didn't respond. The topic just hung in mid-air, swaying awkwardly. Dad coughed softly two times then put the remote down.

“Doan Doan, go get the picture you drew for me to see.”

The girl immediately jumped up and ran barefoot into her room. A moment later, he ran out holding a piece of colored paper. On it were scribbled a few small houses, a huge sun, below were four people standing next to each other, and next to a small dog.

“Look, this is my grandfather, this is my grandmother, this is my parents, this is me.”

The girl pointed and explained.

“And this is my puppy.”

“So where are you?”

I looked at the picture and asked slowly. Doan Doan paused, frowned and thought for a few seconds before suddenly remembering.

“I… I forgot to draw you.”

Her voice was a bit guilty. Tri Tinh quickly smiled and put out the fire:

"Children draw pictures, they don't think much, they just draw random things. Don't take it to heart."

"No problem."

I smiled and took the paper.

“It's a nice drawing.”

I picked up the crayon on the table and drew a tiny human figure next to the group of people. The drawings are simple, rough but very serious.

“Now I have you.”

Doan Doan looked at the newly added figure and grinned.

“In the future, when you paint, remember to draw me too.”

I patted her head.

“You are also a family member.”

That statement was very calm. It sounds like you're gently teaching a child. But when it reached my parents' ears, it was like a small, smoldering thorn. Mom's movement of carrying dumplings from the kitchen paused for a moment and then quickly returned to normal.

“Let's eat rice, let's eat dumplings.”

The tray of rice is prepared very generously. Braised meat. Mixed cucumber. Fried meatballs. There is also a plate of pre-cut sausages. I sat in the position next to the window. Mom picked up steamed dumplings for each person, then poured apricot juice for Doan Doan.

"Come on, today we're all reunited. Tri Dao has a hard time coming home. Let's eat more."

“Dad, just drink some beer.”

I looked at the beer case on the table.

“How's your blood pressure these days?”

“It's okay, it's okay.”

“Today is fun, so I'll just drink one bottle.”

"Don't drink it all alone, share it with Chu Hao."

“I still drive Well, I only drank a small symbolic glass.”

Chu Hao immediately spoke up.

“Okay then.”

I won't say any more. The meal looked extremely harmonious on the outside. Mom sometimes peels shrimp for Doan Doan, sometimes picks food for me. Tri Tinh occasionally stood up to add soup and pour water. Chu Hao put a piece of braised meat into my bowl.

“Sister, when I was a child, I liked this dish the most. Let's see how you cook it."

I looked up at him, my expression calm. I bowed my head and took a bite. Lean meat and fat mixed together, stewed until soft until melted, truly more flavorful than the dishes my father used to cook in the past.

“It's delicious.”

I commented leisurely.

“Delicious is fine.”

Chu Hao smiled even brighter.

"From now on, when you come home more often, I'll cook for you to eat."

I lowered my eyes. Come back often? About a place that is planning to turn my room into a children's room... Turning the house I contributed money to buy into someone else's property? I didn't reply. Just quietly bowed my head to eat. The conversation at the dinner table gradually changed from good or bad food to Doan Doan's kindergarten, then to the recently opened shopping center. My mother asked me if prices were expensive in Guangzhou there and if the weather was still warm. I answered briefly. It sounded like a normal family conversation. Only I know, in my mind right now I am quietly comparing each sentence in last night's phone call with each person in front of me. Who said what? Who follows? Who is silent? Halfway through the meal, Tri Tinh casually asked:

“Sister, how many days will you stay this time?”

"I'll leave on the morning of the sixth day."

I bowed my head to drink soup.

“We have to go back to work on the seventh day.”