The Fifty-Fifth Hour

“If I have time someday, should I bring my little brother over for you to meet?” Li Susu spoke with a polite smile.

“No rush, no rush,” Aunt Wang said, sipping her coffee. “I’ve heard about your family’s situation. It’s truly unfortunate. A young woman left to raise her brother alone—of course that will change the course of your life. But if you trust us and leave your brother in our care, I promise we’ll treat him well.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you. Let’s arrange a time to meet.” Li Susu raised her right hand as she spoke. “Waiter, the bill please.”

“Let me handle it. If you’re available, we could meet in the next couple of days. If your brother is all right, we’ll bring him home right away—let him get used to the environment. You’re welcome to visit anytime.” Aunt Wang took out her bank card. “Waiter, card please.”

“There’s no need. If you agree to adopt my brother, I won’t interfere in your lives or see him again. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now.” Li Susu stood up as she spoke. “My brother is still home alone.”

“All right, it’s important to take care of him.” Aunt Wang stood up as well, extending her right hand politely.

The two women then rose and left together.

Just then, Li Susu’s phone buzzed with a text message: “Where are you? I know you broke up with your boyfriend. Please don’t do anything rash—he wasn’t worth it. You’ll meet someone better, I believe in you.”

Li Susu replied simply: “Thank you. I stopped caring long ago. It’s too late now; don’t reply, don’t worry about me.”

At dusk, Li Susu returned home alone. Her brother, Li Mengbao, was playing with his toy car.

Li Susu poured herself a large glass of water and drank it thirstily.

“Why do you want to send me away? I want Mom and Dad!” Li Mengbao said softly.

“Don’t say that. Someone will come to see you in a few days. Make sure you behave.” Li Susu loosened her shoulders, weary.

“I want Mom!” Li Mengbao hurled his toy car to the ground.

“You don’t have a mother or father anymore!” Li Susu couldn’t help but shout.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Li Susu was puzzled. “Who is it?”

“It’s me, your second uncle!”

“Oh, you’re here.” Li Susu opened the door. Outside stood a man in shabby clothes. “So, you’re still thinking of sending your brother away?”

“What are you here for?” Li Susu turned away.

“I came to check on you.” The man entered and closed the door behind him. “Back in the day, your father and I were sworn brothers. Now his children are in trouble—I can’t just stand by.”

“I don’t need your help.” Li Susu tidied the table. “If you really care, then take in my brother.”

“I can’t afford to raise him,” the man said, sitting down. “But I can help you get some money.”

“What money?” Li Susu asked.

“The truck that collided with your dad—it might have been driven while the driver was exhausted. If we sue, we could get some compensation. Just give me a few tens of thousands, that’s all I want.” He lit a cigarette, grinning.

Li Susu found it absurd. “So you want to make money off me! If you weren’t my uncle, I’d have kicked you out already.”

“Don’t say that! Don’t you want to know the truth?” her uncle asked, mouth agape.

“What truth? The police said my father died because of sudden heart failure, which led to the crash. What’s there to sue for?” Li Susu picked up the scattered toys on the floor, speaking slowly.

“You’re too honest. The truth has to be dug out. If you don’t stir things up, no one will care,” her uncle said, taking another drag.

“How am I supposed to stir things up? The police have already ruled on it. What else can I do?” Li Susu made up Mengbao’s bed, then turned to him. “Get in bed.”

“No, I want Mom!” Li Mengbao said again.

“Be good, listen to your sister.” Second Uncle came over and patted his head.

“No, I want Mom!” Mengbao stubbornly insisted.

“Both your parents are gone—why can’t you understand? They’re gone!” Li Susu was almost impatient.

“How could they be gone? Did they go traveling?” Mengbao asked in confusion. “No, Mom and Dad love me so much—how could they go on vacation without taking me? You must have hidden me so they couldn’t find me; that’s why they went on their own!”

“Your sister treats you well—don’t always think badly of her,” Second Uncle said, puffing on his cigarette.

“Then why won’t you take me to find Mom and Dad?” Mengbao asked, puzzled.

“Just sleep well tonight. Tomorrow I’ll take you to school, and if you behave, I’ll bring you to see Mom and Dad after school.” Li Susu’s voice carried a hint of sorrow.

“So, you’re planning to tell him?” Second Uncle smiled.

“What else can I do? He keeps asking for Mom and Dad—where am I supposed to find them? Should I grab a random couple off the street and pretend they’re his parents?” Li Susu said, frustrated and helpless.

“Look at what you’re saying. Forget it, I won’t meddle. If you want to sue, sue; if not, don’t. Your dad’s watching from below—if you’re this indifferent about his affairs, he’ll never rest in peace. Careful he comes to haunt your dreams tonight!” Second Uncle chuckled.

“Let him! If he’s got the guts, take me with him!” Li Susu replied nonchalantly.

“You silly girl. If you go, who’ll take care of your brother? Don’t give him to me—I don’t want him.” Second Uncle laughed. “Even though your dad and I were sworn brothers, my own life isn’t stable—I can’t raise a child too.”

“Fine, it’s late. You should head home. In a few days, someone will take Mengbao away.” Li Susu said to her uncle.

“All right, I’ll go. Take care of yourself. I really don’t understand you—why don’t you like your brother?” Second Uncle stood and brushed off his cigarette ash. “I’m leaving.”

“Go on, everyone go on. Leave my brother for me to raise alone. What can I do? I can’t raise him well, so I’ll give him to someone else—he’ll have a better life that way.” Li Susu said, frustrated.

“Fine, I’m off. About your father’s crash—whether it was fatigue driving or not, you decide what to do.” With those words, Second Uncle opened the door and left.

“He should have been healthy—why did he suddenly have a heart attack at that moment? He never had heart problems,” Li Susu murmured as tears fell.

“Will you really take me to see Mom and Dad tomorrow?” Mengbao asked from beneath the blanket.

“If you behave, I’ll take you.” Li Susu finished tidying, washed her face in front of the mirror.

“Great, wonderful! Tomorrow I can go home!” Mengbao pulled the covers up excitedly.

“There’s no home left,” Li Susu said with a bitter smile.

That night, Li Susu lay in her room. Suddenly, a shadow appeared out of nowhere—a young woman holding a ledger materialized beside her. “Only two days left, don’t forget.”

Li Susu lay in her bed, eyes open. “I know.”

The shadow faded away.