Lien stands in the doorway of the kitchen. Her round face lights up the dim hallway like the first full moon that rises over the peaks in the bleak of midwinter.
“May we meet under better circumstances next time, sister.” I bow my head and her embrace brings tears to my face—again.
My knees buckle for a moment as I step into the day. A bright sun glares over a well-kept courtyard where pink planted blushes dot among the gray of raked pebbles. Our horses are scraping their hooves while Dendup, Norbu, and Jié stand at their sides.
“It’s good to see you.” Norbu hands me the reins of my stallion. I take his hand in mine and swallow hard.
“Thank you.” I look up to meet him, and his eyes radiate a soothing brown, like the forest floor in fall, where wilting flowers find their peace to re
