Desperate Fans

Praise is not absent from Lan Zhan's life, but it is a rarity, something his uncle hands out only when he has done something exceptional, and something he receives from his mother only once a month. Less often, perhaps, now, if she will be gone for long stretches of time. His small face is still serious, but some surprise and pleasure lights his golden eyes. If it is arrogance to enjoy the kind words bestowed on him by a patient and knowledgeable adult, Lan Zhan can accept the punishment that comes with it. He will already be in trouble whenever he returns. "Thank you, shushu." Between this and the promise of gentians at the conclusion of their walk, he feels close to overwhelmed, a sort of building pressure in his chest. It has been a long day already.