“I heard some elders say there will be prolonged rain and snow starting tomorrow night. So I thought I might as well go see Sister Xuezhu now and pick up some Western medicine to keep on hand—I meant to buy some in Beijing yesterday but it slipped my mind.”
In truth it had not slipped her mind. She had simply not thought it necessary; her space held plenty of medicine stockpiled by Du Qinghui. Since arriving however she had decided it would be wise to build up an outward supply as a sensible cover.
Meng Wanning smacked her forehead. “How could I forget! I knew there was something… Thank goodness Xuezhu is there otherwise I would have rushed straight over myself.”
Zheng Shaohuai Jiang Zheng and Su Jin were equally dismayed. None blamed Meng Wanning; they blamed themselves for not thinking of it too. It was not their area after all and they had been preoccupied with other matters the day before.
Song Mianmian spoke quickly to soothe them. “It is truly fine. I know some Chinese medicine so I would have managed but it is always better to be prepared.”
“Let me call Xuezhu right away,” Meng Wanning said taking charge. “Wait at the post office a moment I will call you back.”
“Of course,” Song Mianmian replied. “Hang up first Auntie.”
Three minutes later the phone rang again. “Mianmian Xuezhu says the hospital is close by. She will come straight to you—ten minutes or so. Let us talk a little longer… what else should we send?”
Plenty of suggestions followed. “Su Jin sent things yesterday morning,” Meng Wanning went on. “They should arrive in about a week. Ask the post office if snow might delay delivery. We will send another parcel tomorrow too—ask about how and when they will reach you.”
Song Mianmian felt warmed and overwhelmed. “I understand everything,” she said brightly. “My friends are calling me so I must go. Thank you all—take care I will miss you!” She rang off quickly perhaps a little abruptly but the sentiment was sincere.
Lin Xuezhu arrived promptly. She wore a well-worn white coat and was slight and pretty. In one hand she carried two large bags; in the other she held a small girl of about three. The child was dressed in a red checkered padded coat black corduroy trousers and black cloth shoes. She had her mother’s fine features but looked pale listless and unwell.
Song Mianmian was the only customer inside. Lin Xuezhu smiled nervously. “You must be Mianmian.” Her voice was hoarse and tired but gentle. Song Mianmian liked her at once.
“Sister Xuezhu!” she smiled back. “And this is your daughter? She is lovely just like you. Is she not feeling well? May I hold her?”
Lin Xuezhu smiled warmly but did not pass the child over. “She has been quite unwell—very tearful and withdrawn. She may not want to be held I hope you will not mind.” She held out the bags. “Here are some things I picked up—let me know if you need more and I will go back. I should take her to Beijing for treatment tomorrow morning… I am so sorry I cannot have you to stay until next month.” She drew a crisp red envelope from her pocket. “A little something from me—please do not refuse.”
Song Mianmian did not take it immediately. “I know a little medicine,” she said gently. “May I feel her pulse?”
Lin Xuezhu hesitated then nodded. “Of course. Let me explain to her. This is Auntie Mianmian from Grandma Wanning’s family sweetie—she would just like to see your hand. It will not hurt at all.”
Before she could finish the solemn little girl reached out toward Song Mianmian. Lin Xuezhu was surprised—she assumed it was because of Meng Wanning. She did not know the child simply felt drawn to the warmth and calm about Song Mianmian.
Song Mianmian lifted her gently and felt her pulse. “She has been frightened,” she said quietly. “That has upset her digestion. Was she scared before this began?”
Lin Xuezhu stared. “Yes… my mother-in-law startled her. The doctors agree her digestion is affected—we have tried yeast and hawthorn preparations but nothing helps.”
“Emotional distress needs gentle healing,” Song Mianmian said. “You must address the cause. I have some special hawthorn pills here—they are more effective than ordinary ones. They should help.” She took two packets from her space and handed one to Lin Xuezhu. She opened the other and held one out to the child.
Little Zhou Tian opened her mouth and took it without hesitation. Her eyes lit up and she chewed happily. Lin Xuezhu stared then took one herself. Her eyes widened in delight. “This is delicious! What is in it? How much do I owe you? Come I will get the money from my home.”
Song Mianmian pretended to consider then smiled mysteriously.