“What did he write?” I asked after the door closed.

“He wrote to say all twelve-year-olds should mind their own business,” she replied without missing a beat, then sent me to arrange the samples back on their shelves.

“Are you going to see him again?” I persisted even as I deftly completed my task.

“No, of course not. I am married.”

I huffed. I had never met your father and could not imagine any man was good enough for your mother. At least the policeman seemed rich.

When nearly half an hour passed without another customer, I pulled out the pencil I had received from Mr. Gao.

“Is that yours?” she asked skeptically. The pencils that were left for me never looked quite this nice. I was only allowed the battered ones that did not pass quality control.

“No,” I said under my breath. “The person I delivered a set of pencils to yesterday gave it to me. I was supposed to give it to my parents.”

“And why didn’t you?” she asked, her voice steady, eyes penetrating.

“Because I want to know what everyone is keeping from me,” I said without breaking eye contact. She had the same eyes as you, and I had stared you down plenty of times. “There’s something about this pencil, isn’t there? Some sort of message, but I can’t figure out how, and Meng won’t tell me—”

“It is not for her to say.”

“Then would you tell me?”

“It is not for me to say either.”

“Why not?” I had viewed her as the one who would enlighten me, the one on my side, and now felt betrayed.

She took the pencil from me and hid it. She glanced at the rear door before turning back to me.

“Your grandmother does not want your mother to tell you.”

“My grandmother?” I repeated, startled. It had seemed like a secret between my mother, aunt, and you. It hurt even more that my grandmother was involved.

“Yes. And your mother cannot go against your grandmother.” She scoffed. “She can barely go against me. Your grandmother’s rules are as good as law here. Meng and I stay here because she allows it. I can’t risk that. I’m sorry, Yun. If it were only your mother’s choice, you would know everything.”

“What will you do with that pencil?” I asked.

“What was the name of the person who gave it to you?”

“Mr. Gao.”

“I will say Mr. Gao stopped by and dropped it off.” She gave another sigh. “Oh, Yun, I’m sorry. It must be frustrating. But your grandmother is trying to keep you safe. Here.” She gave me her handkerchief. “The world is changing in ways we never expected. Maybe your grandmother will change, too.”

I took the handkerchief and balled it into my fist.

“Can I at least see your arm?” I asked.