Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party

In the following weeks, I spent as much time as I could near the fireplace, listening. Mrs. Wong cried a lot. I didn't hear any sound from Niu. I pictured him hiding in his room like he did when his fish died.

I wanted to be with them, but Mother didn't allow me to go anymore. I knew she visited them late at night when Comrade Li was not home. I saw Mother pack our bamboo basket with food, medicine, and clean clothes. The next day, the basket was empty. One night, when Mother was packing the basket, I slipped out of bed. While Mother was in the kitchen, I hid Bao-bao under a package of herbal medicine. I hoped Bao-bao would help Mrs. Wong sleep at night and comfort her during the day.