Lu Qingnian returned with the old doctor just before dawn. Jiang Shuiying had stayed awake all night watching over Niannian. She stood up quickly when he entered.
How is it did you bring a doctor.
I did Lu Qingnian stepped aside to show the doctor standing behind him. Doctor Wang please examine him.
Doctor Wang was an elderly physician from the town clinic with hair and beard both white. He was over sixty and carried a medicine box. He was soaked through. He felt the boy’s pulse lifted his eyelids and touched his forehead.
The fever is very high he said stroking his beard. It must be brought down quickly or it will harm his health.
Jiang Shuiying’s legs felt weak and she sank to her knees. Doctor please save my son.
Do not be alarmed Doctor Wang motioned gently. I will give him acupuncture and medicine. Find some alcohol and wipe his body to cool him.
Jiang Shuiying looked confused. We have none here.
I will get some Lu Qingnian turned and left immediately.
Doctor Wang inserted the needles and gave medicine but the fever did not fall. Lu Qingnian returned quickly carrying a large bottle. Zhao Xueting had refused to give it so he had taken it.
Here wipe him down Jiang Shuiying reached for the bottle but Lu Qingnian held her hand gently.
You have not slept he said let me do this.
But you.
I am fine.
He poured some into his palms rubbed them warm and wiped Niannian’s forehead neck armpits hands and feet very gently as if handling something precious. Jiang Shuiying watched him and felt tears rise. He remembered nothing of the past yet he still cared for them so deeply.
Why are you crying he said without looking up. He will be all right.
Yes she nodded and wiped her eyes.
The rain grew lighter as morning came. Niannian’s fever finally broke. He opened his eyes saw Lu Qingnian and reached out clutching his finger. Father do not go.
Lu Qingnian looked down at the small hand holding his finger tightly as if it held the whole world. I will not leave he said his voice soft and hoarse. I am right here.
Niannian sighed with relief and closed his eyes again but did not let go. Lu Qingnian sat perfectly still letting him hold on. Jiang Shuiying rested her head by the bed and fell asleep from exhaustion.
Lu Qingnian looked at her in the morning light. Her lashes were long her brow slightly furrowed as if in an uneasy dream. Tears still marked her cheeks and her lips were dry. He reached out to smooth the frown from her face.
What are you touching she mumbled without opening her eyes.
Your brows are all crinkled he said his hand resting lightly on her hair. It looks uncomfortable.
Stop touching my hair she sat up quickly. You will mess it.
Mess it is good it will shine he replied calmly. We oil our rifles in the army too.
Am I a weapon to you.
My rifle is precious and so are you he said looking at her. It is much the same.
Jiang Shuiying blushed deeply and threw a pillow at him. He caught it and did not pull away. They held one end each in a gentle standoff.
Mother Old Man Niannian said from the bed looking at them with a serious expression. If you must fight go outside. The patient needs quiet.
Jiang Shuiying remembered her son was ill let go and felt his forehead. The fever was gone. She sank down relieved. Lu Qingnian placed the pillow behind her carefully.
She thought to herself that love is not given all at once on a wedding day. It grows slowly through shared meals and quiet care again and again over the years. Even though he had forgotten her he found his way back to her. That was enough.
Are you hungry she asked I will make noodles.
Rest he said holding her gently. I am in charge of food in this house.
What can you cook.
More than you think I can fry an egg too.
She smiled despite herself. Very well I will leave it to you.
After breakfast he went to the post office. The reply from Sichuan should have arrived. The clerk looked up as he approached.
A letter for me from Sichuan Lu Qingnian asked.
There was one but someone collected it yesterday the clerk said looking uneasy.
Who.
A woman in a white coat she said she was Doctor Zhao Xueting from the medical station. She said you were too busy.
Lu Qingnian returned to the guest quarters with a stern expression. Jiang Shuiying was feeding Niannian water. Her look of hope faded when she saw him.
Zhao Xueting he said the name heavy with anger.
That was sent to you how dare she Jiang Shuiying breathed sharply.
She said I was busy Lu Qingnian closed the door poured himself a cup of cold water and turned to her. Leave this to me.
I will write again he said directly to the village leader this time so no one else can interfere. I will also tell the post office to give letters only to you. No outsider will come between us.
Niannian lay in bed looked at both of them then pulled the blanket over his head. Sometime later a small voice came from under the covers. This family will fall apart without me.