Warm morning light spilled gently through the window, casting a golden glow across the room. Yun Lan opened her eyes slowly. The rhythmic rise and fall of Leon's chest beside her was comforting, his arms still loosely wrapped around her waist. His warmth surrounded her like a protective shield.
Carefully, Yun Lan slid out from his grasp, mindful not to wake him. She tiptoed to the bathroom, washed her face, and changed into a simple yet elegant robe. Without making a sound, she left the room and made her way to the small tea room where her grandmother usually began her mornings.
Her grandmother was already there, brewing herbal tea.
"You're up early, child," her grandmother said softly, not turning around.
Yun Lan sat down, her expression grave. "Grandmother, I need to talk to you. About... my condition."
Her grandmother turned then, eyes full of knowing sorrow. "It's getting worse, isn't it?"
Yun Lan nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Last night... the pain was too much. And this morning, I cough blood again."
Her grandmother walked over and took Yun Lan's hands in hers. "I've tried everything. Every herb, every root, every mixture. This poison is not like anything I've ever seen. The person who did this knew exactly how to make it slow and undetectable."
"How long do I have?"
Her grandmother hesitated. "Three months, at most. You've already endured it for five years. But without an antidote..."
Yun Lan's heart clenched. She had lived with this secret for so long. She had accepted the pain as part of her life, never imagining someone like Leon would enter her world.
"Promise me," Yun Lan said, her voice trembling. "Don't tell him. Leon must never know."
Her grandmother nodded slowly. "I promise. But we will keep trying. Until the end."
Leon stirred awake and reached out for her. But the bed was empty.
Frowning, he got out of bed and dressed quickly. "Yun Lan?" he called, checking the hallway. No answer.
He descended the stairs and walked outside, the cool morning breeze brushing his skin. There, by the animal pens, he spotted her. She was feeding the goats, her robe fluttering softly in the breeze.
A small smile touched his lips. Quietly, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her gently against him. He kissed the side of her neck.
"Let me help you," he murmured.
Yun Lan jumped, then relaxed against him with a soft laugh. "You scared me."
Together, they fed the animals. Yun Lan showed him how to cradle the small chicks and how to calm the older goats. The peaceful chores made the morning feel normal, almost like any other couple's life.
Afterward, they returned to the house, where her grandmother had already set breakfast. The smell of warm congee, steamed buns, and fragrant tea filled the room.
They ate together in relative silence, with Leon stealing glances at her every few bites.
After the meal, Yun Lan excused herself and stepped outside to the porch. She settled into the wooden swing, gently rocking back and forth, lost in thought.
How could she tell him the truth? How could she say that the woman he love, the woman he said he wanted, was dying?
Leon stepped out and sat beside her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Are you upset about something, Yun Lan?"
She smiled faintly. "No, I'm just tired."
But Leon didn't push. He only held her tighter.
A little later, her grandmother announced she was going for a walk, and Yun Lan quickly volunteered to join her.
As she stood, Leon grabbed her hand and pulled her gently toward him. "Where are you going, wife?"
She smiled. "A walk with grandmother. Do you want to come too?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "Of course."
They strolled together through the wooded paths behind the estate, sunlight dappling the dirt trail. Yun Lan felt lighter, almost forgetting the heaviness in her chest. That was until she saw it.
A tiny, trembling fox cub sat under a bush, ribs visible, eyes wide and frightened.
Yun Lan rushed to it, kneeling down. "Oh no... it's starving."
Leon knelt beside her. "Careful, it might bite."
"It won't." She took off her scarf and wrapped the cub gently. It didn't resist. She tucked it into her bag, careful to keep it warm.
They returned home, and Yun Lan immediately began warming milk for the cub. She fed it drop by drop until its tiny belly was full, then cradled it in her lap, stroking its fur.
Hours passed, and Yun Lan barely moved from the corner where the cub slept. She giggled when it sneezed, cooed when it snuggled her hand.
Leon watched from the couch, arms crossed. He frowned.
She hadn't looked at him in hours. She hadn't smiled at him like that. That was his smile.
He walked over, knelt beside her, and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Come lie down with me," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her.
She turned her head, avoiding his lips. "Not now. The fox is still getting used to us."
Leon's jaw tightened. Without a word, he stood and returned to the couch, sulking.
Yun Lan bit her lip to keep from laughing. He looked like a grumpy child denied candy.
She stood, stretched, and walked over. "Are you jealous of a baby fox, Leon?"
He looked away. "No. Maybe. Yes."
She giggled. "You're ridiculous."
He grabbed her wrist suddenly, pulling her down onto his lap. "You're mine, wife. Don't forget that."
Leon picked her up bridal style and carried her upstairs to his room. He laid her gently on the bed and kissed her deeply, his hands cradling her face.
He held her as if she were glass, his touch tender but passionate.
Just as they began to settle, the fox cub jumped up on the bed and plopped itself right between them.
Leon blinked.
Yun Lan burst into laughter.
The fox yawned and curled up, completely relaxed.
Leon groaned but didn't push it away. Instead, he reached across the little animal and took Yun Lan's hand.
"Fine. One night. But tomorrow, he gets his own bed."
Yun Lan smiled, her heart aching in ways she couldn't explain. Lying beside the man she never expected to love, the secret of her dying body weighed heavier than ever.
But for now, in this moment, she let herself forget.
Wrapped in the warmth of the man who had unknowingly begun to heal her soul.