A'she was a swift little cat, fleet-footed and full of life. But what good is speed when it no longer matters?…
A'she was a swift little cat, fleet-footed and full of life. But what good is speed when it no longer matters?
It once ran from the base to the summit of mountains, from Chang'an to Liangzhou. Yet, after the scruffy man who once stroked its head sent it away, it never raced back to him again.
No longer the swift kitten it used to be, it became still—quiet and motionless for days on end.
An Yifei held it close, flipping through book after book. The cat gently pressed its paw on characters "Bing, She, Pang, Qi"—referred to opening the side gate of a pavilion nearby, a subtle welcome.
"She Pang? Little She?"
Watching carefully, An Yifei softly called out,
"A'she?"
The once-motionless cat let out a tender meow, responding to the name. Overcome with affection, An buried her face into A'she's soft belly and breathed deeply.
"A'she is perfect. A'she—for every shelter there is a blessing."