The 99th Divorce

The boundless storm rained on the mountains and plains. In the dark of the night, it was impossible to even see one’s hand in front of the face.

Other than the weak cries and sobs of the girls present, the only other sound that could be heard was that of the rain pouring all around them.

No one could predict when this rain would end, and no one could foresee when they’d be able to escape this current predicament. They’d been in the cave hiding out from the rain for a whole six hours. But, the rain had never let up.

The mud, thick and sticky, was being washed away by the rain in a torrential tide. Very quickly, the water level in the cave rose. With each increase in level, the hope of those trapped inside diminished.

Someone took the lead. Without any warning, a handful of the teenage girls began wailing.

In the midst of this group, 18-year-old Shen Luo’an stood out with his maturity and calmness. He led the others to escape in an orderly manner, but there was a sudden shriek at the back of the line. When everyone turned to look, they found two people missing.

It was Ye Youyou and her already-injured stepsister, Guan Queye. The girls had suddenly disappeared and caused panic among the group of youths.

The panic resulted in mayhem. Even Shen Luo’an was at a loss of how to deal with the situation. The water level of the muddy waters was rising, but the two girls remained nowhere to be found.

Later on, when the rescue team arrived, Shen Luo’an frantically joined them in the search. No matter how everyone searched, there was no trace of them. Just as Shen Luo’an was about to give up, he suddenly heard a weak voice.

“Luo’an…”

Luo’an… An…

The voice was hoarse and nowhere as gentle and moving as usual.

Shen Luo’an turned his head and was met with the sight of bloodshot eyes. That pair of eyes looked right into his and all the way into the depths of his soul.

Shen Luo’an took a step back instinctively, but he missed his step and found himself tumbling into an abyss. He landed with a heavy thud and felt as if his breath had been whacked out of him. When he opened his eyes, all he could see was darkness

The air was clean. The room was clean. The surroundings were clean.

Shen Luo’an stayed frozen in shock for a long while before finally release a long sigh of relief. He reached out to feel his forehead and found it dripping with perspiration.

He climbed out of bed and stuffed his feet into a pair of slippers. He soon headed to the kitchen for a glass of warm water. He finished his drink in one gulp.

“Brother.”

The male voice came without warning. Unprepared, Shen Luo’an jumped out of his skin. He turned to look and found Shen Zhilie seated on the couch. In his hand was his cell phone. In front of him were a few cans of beer.

Shen Luo’an released a sigh of relief and walked over to sit beside him. He placed his cup down and tiredly asked, “When did you get here?”

The light in the sitting room had not been switched on. They were blanketed in darkness. In fact, it was so dark that it would have been likely for Shen Luo’an to miss Shen Zhilie’s presence had the latter not said a word.

Shen Zhilie chose play with a game on his cell phone without bothering to turn down the glare. With one look, he could tell that Shen Luo’an was a little out of sorts. He opened a can of beer and handed it over as he asked, “Did you have a nightmare again?”

Shen Luo’an took the can but didn’t drink from it. He let out a long breath as he leaned back against the couch and he stared at the dark ceiling above him. “Zhilie, do you think there are ghosts on this earth?”

Shen Zhilie tightened his lips and shook his head, “I’ve never believed in such things.”

“In that case, do you believe in God?” Shen Luo’an asked.

“No,” Shen Zhilie said.

“Then, do you believe in retribution?” Shen Luo’an asked.

“No.” Shen Zhilie’s answer remained the same.

Shen Luo’an looked at him and gave a laugh. “I don’t believe in it either.”