After the porcelain doll with the red cheeks shattered, Sweetie still ate from her old plate. Her rations of rice and fish weren’t reduced. But the elderly couple never greeted her again. Sweetie felt numb, unable to taste the fish. Grandma’s gaze was so bitter and venomous that Sweetie wanted to swallow her own tongue.

—

Ardi visited several months after the incident. He had just returned from a tour of several countries in Asia. He gave Grandma a box, gift-wrapped with a pretty ribbon. She, of course, opened it joyfully. But, after all this time, her smile appeared feigned. How surprised she was to find her gift: a male figurine in traditional Chinese costume, crimson, festive and opulent. He was the same size as Yin Yin.

‘A perfect match for Yin Yin, isn’t he?’

Grandma regarded the doll for a long time. Very good, she thought. How fine a partner for Yin Yin. If. Supposing.

Oh, dear… this prince would not take pleasure in a damaged bride. She and Grandpa looked at each other, sharing silent disappointment.

Seeing the smile vanish from his aunt’s face, Ardi asked what the matter was. With a heavy heart, Grandma recounted how the porcelain doll had tumbled from the antique chest.

‘I’m sorry, Ardi. Yin Yin is no longer suitable for this heroic prince. He is so handsome.’

Ardi laughed. ‘Don’t be sad. There are plenty of dolls like her in souvenir shops. In two months, I’ll be there again. I’ll find you a replacement, okay?’

The hint of a smile appeared on Grandma’s lips. Yin Yin was removed from her dark drawer and placed on the chest alongside her new companion. Let her stay until her successor arrived – a new Yin Yin, more beautiful, unsullied.

Grandma and Grandpa would also get something new: happiness restored. Who knew exactly what form it would take, but it would feel warm and comfortable, hugging the body like a blanket and smelling as good as fresh baked bread.

The following day Sweetie disappeared. Nobody asked, nobody cared. A neighbour saw her roaming about, chased by strays and scavenging food from the trash.

Under the scorching sun Sweetie remembers her bowl. Grandma in the kitchen and Grandpa at the dining table. The old house where her tramp of a mother bore her and abandoned her. Yin Yin, the red-cheeked porcelain doll that shattered. All the memories remain in their designated place. Just as Yin Yin once stood securely on the antique chest.