distance between herself and the noodle seller, feeling it was safer not to leave too clear a trail. Not that anyone will want to follow, she thought sadly. No, my husband will want to, but will not try to. He is too obedient. He will wait for his son. She was struck by a terrible thought. Would she have to make this journey again, with another daughter? Would she have the courage, twice? Oh, please, no, she thought, please let me have a boy next and enjoy his little hands and his searching mouth.
“You will, do not worry. And Mohmi will watch this baby for you. It will be all right.” Her guide again wrapped his energy around her and held her tight. “Now forget that thought and go on.”
TieJuan went up to an old woman who was sweeping her doorway and asked for directions to the baby home. This time there was no interest, no sympathy, but a fairly clear set of instructions. It was not too far.
The sun was shining feebly onto the low walls of the orphanage when TieJuan rounded the corner opposite. She could hear babies crying and childish voices talking shrilly. Through an open door she could see a line of tiny children sitting on a bench, waiting for something. They looked well fed and not unhappy. Still, she hesitated, wondering what exactly to do next. Then, one of the tiny girls saw her and toddled down the passageway towards her, saying ‘Baby?’ and pointing at ShengYue.
“Yes” said TieJuan, with more resolve in her voice than in her heart. “A baby for you,” and she kissed her daughter and laid the bundle just inside the open doorway, at the toddler’s feet. She turned and walked away quickly, trying not to look back, but at the corner she turned and saw that the little girl had squatted down and was stroking the quilt, squeaking ‘My baby! My baby!’ until a woman came to the door and picked up the bundle. She looked out of the door, up and down the street, but TieJuan moved out of sight, watching with just one eye until the nurse carried ShengYue into the darkness of the house. Then TieJuan walked away, starting the long trek back to her village and saying to herself over and over, “I am going to have a baby, I am going to have a son,” hoping that the repetition would make it true.
Chapter 55
The heat in the nursery of the orphanage was oppressive on this summer afternoon. Many babies lay listlessly in their cots, their little heads sweaty. Some of the older ones were sitting up looking around and one or two had toys that they were waving in the air, delighting in the noise when their unplanned movements caused a crash against the bars of the cots.
“Look at you ShengYue! Are you trying to beat your way out?” A nurse had come into the room with a pile of washed laundry which she was now putting on shelves. She smiled at the babies and the little girl she had addressed waved her arms again and grinned.
“You are happy today! Maybe today is your lucky day!” The nurse bent down and kissed the little head, which had a mop of slightly wavy hair. Then she moved on, talking in turn to the other babies.
“She’s right, ShengYue. It is your ‘lucky’ day- or will be if you keep smiling!” Mohmi was there beside the cot, playing with the baby, waving her arms, encouraging ShengYue to copy her. When the baby mimicked her correctly she congratulated her with great enthusiasm and ShengYue cooed and gurgled.
“My, you are cheerful today,” said the nurse.
“We both are, we have high hopes!” said Mohmi. The other babies’ guides were quiet, knowing nothing was planned for them today, but enjoying Mohmi and Moonsong’s happiness.
“Well, let’s get you all cleaned up before the visitors arrive,” said the nurse, as she started to undress and change one of the babies. She worked steadily, changing each child, talking a little to each one, but efficient and almost brusque all the same. She was just putting the last baby back into its cot and was leaving the room to start preparing the next feeds, when she heard a car pull up outside. She scampered off down the stairs. Mohmi followed and ShengYue strained to see where she had gone, feeling suddenly alone. Her little mouth began to pucker and her lip to tremble. Then Mohmi was