With half an hour to go before the school bell,

Weng sat watching passersby

through the car’s parking cameras.

Although he was afraid of how it would make him feel,

he more than ever wanted to catch a glimpse

of Cherry’s husband

so that his hopes might be crushed entirely

and he could return to Beijing.

Perhaps Shirley’s father traveled for work?

Or was he bedridden?

Or crippled and able to move only one eyelid?