Chapter 383

When the moon hung above the branches, I returned to the courtyard of my childhood. I looked around and noticed the whole courtyard bore the marks of time. The mottled walls still clung to remnants of dried ivy, and in the corner, several pots held branches and leaves weathered by the harsh winter. Everything seemed the same as before, yet somehow different. I was lost in thought until a child's voice interrupted my reverie. "Nance, it's Nance." I turned toward the sound and saw Alex hurrying toward me. Her hair was styled in two adorable braids. In an instant, she wrapped herself around my legs and refused to let go. When she heard the commotion, Aunt Tina stumbled out of the house. When our eyes met, she smiled gently and said, "What are you standing there for? Dinner's ready. Let's eat." Alex nodded in response while gripping my index finger tightly. "Come on, Nance, let's eat." The ancient wooden table in the dining room was filled with dishes of various sizes, all of whic