Song Lan struggles day to day in a world without his soulmate in it -- at least not truly in it. He keeps what's left of him on him at every moment. Each day he mediates and somedays it feels almost as if Xingchen is there beside him -- truly, as if he can hear his breath once more. He wants to whisper his name but he can't speak but he can see that the space beside him is still empty.

One day, he doesn't look. One day he lets himself believe Xingchen is alive beside him. He can hear his breath, sense the slightest of movements that would indicate that Xingchen has become restless with meditation and is ready for the next part of the day.

Song Lan keeps his eyes closed, thinking the words he can't say.

A few more minutes.

If he stops meditating then Xingchen will be gone.