Farewell Summer

After the college entrance examination, I threw a wad of cash at Xie Shuyan in front of the whole class: “I’ve had enough fun, let’s end this.” He bent down, picking up the bills one by one from the floor. In a hoarse voice, he said, “Alright.” At the end of the summer vacation, Xie Shuyan boarded the train bound for Peking University. Meanwhile, I flew abroad to begin a long course of chemotherapy. Years later, I returned to the country, lying in a hospital bed, my hair completely gone due to the treatment. As I was busy choosing a wig, the door to my hospital room opened. Wearing a white coat, Xie Shuyan met my gaze.