Dream Dragonfly

Age seven.

The first time Li Qingting saw Chen Zhi, she was a scrawny, dark-skinned child covered in freckles, with one hand shoved down the loose waistband of her pants, scratching herself and grinning foolishly.

Li Qingting turned away without a second's hesitation, so disgusted she nearly threw up last night's dinner.

The village children said Chen Zhi was an idiot.

Li Qingting had no patience for idiots. She was being forced to stay in this ignorant, filthy, backward village, and she hated the foolishness Chen Zhi embodied.

A filthy idiot like her had better know her place and stay far away.

Age seventeen.

Li Qingting hid the homeless Chen Zhi under her blankets, gently wiped away her tears one by one, and pressed a reverent kiss to her damp cheek.

The story began when she met an idiot.

The story ended when the idiot died.

"How should I remember you, my innocent and pure young love?"

Note: Set in the countryside in the 1990s. The story opens with little kids. Free short story. Proceed with caution if you're not prepared for a bad ending.

Theme: Pursue freedom and beauty