Rewinding to fifteen minutes ago, Huojin was in the mood for some late night beer after Jia left. There was no more beer in the fridge, so he headed out for the supermarket.
He stuffed his basket with beer cans and some other groceries and essentials. He walked towards the cash counter and stood in the queue behind a man. As he waited, he dropped a quick text to his sister.
'All's well?'
Huyi's reply came accompanied by a pout emoji.
'I am all grown up now. You don't need to keep checking on me. I am fine.'
He clicked his tongue and whispered, "Brat."
"Sir?"
'Yeah, yeah you are all grown up now,' he texted back.
"Um, Sir?"
His attention snapped ahead, sensing the slight distress from the attendant's voice. He peered a little and realized that the man in the front wasn't responsive. Instead, he was trembling.
Huojin placed his hand on his shoulder and said, "Sir, you are shivering."