Her old eyes suddenly glittered like a leopard’s.

“You’re right, Grandma Mao. Now rest for a while.” Mrs. Yi helped the old woman into the room.

Leaving Mao’s home, Mrs. Yi was in a much better mood. She thought, This experienced old woman of Yun Village could instantly see destiny’s intention. With these old people here, Yun Village could only become stronger. The coming of the end would never threaten Yun Village but rather it would inspire the village.

“Mrs. Yi . . .” Behind her, a low voice called.

“Gray? Have you finished your work? What a beautiful day! Where is Spoon? You look well. Has the crisis passed?”

They walked side by side. Gray was a little shy, and he didn’t speak until they had walked for a long time.

“Everyone in the village is talking about doomsday. Spoon and I are the only ones who are scared out of our minds—we’re shaking and don’t know what to do. You know, we developed late. We’re barely adults, and we’re stupid. Suddenly . . . We’re not ready to die. I said to Spoon, ‘Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, we have to take action!’ If I’m going to die, I want to die like a hero.”

“Good for you, Gray! You’re showing your true colors. You’re a spiritual youth who has seized the opportunity promptly. This is great!”

She and Gray parted reluctantly. She noticed the change in his eyes—they were now rather similar to Grandma Mao’s. Gray’s heart seemed to be overflowing with love. “This is an exercise in wisdom,” she said to herself. The crimson setting sun was sinking slowly, and Mrs. Yi mused that the joyous clouds encircling it were making its expression more profound. In that moment, Mrs. Yi’s body and mind were relaxed, and she felt very comfortable. “I’ll die like a hero!” she shouted happily.

When she saw the replanted herbs, she was even more elated.

A small animal rustled through the herbs. It was the weasel, followed by a black-and-white chicken. What a miracle!

Mr. Yi came out of the house and said, “They’re like my own children, and when I see them suffer, I suffer too. I’ve never felt like this before.”

“Well, the signal we received last night at midnight turned out to be good news. The world disguised itself perfectly!”

The couple stood there watching the weasel and the chicken in the last light of the sunset. The two animals were also observing the two people. Mrs. Yi felt that the weasel’s gaze was cold. When the couple tried to get close enough to talk to the little creatures, the other two jumped up and ran away into the thick growth of herbs. Mr. Yi laughed and said, “They are really rude!”

“They understand more than we do,” Mrs. Yi said.

They had just finished eating when Kay knocked at the door and came in. Mr. Yi went to the kitchen to tidy up, giving the two women some privacy.