Chapter Six

She had spent three weeks in the hospital, lost the baby, and she, herself, had nearly died. Jin was worried out of his mind, spending most of his time at her side in the hospital. It was a relief for both of them when she finally returned home.

But something about her seemed different. It wasn't just how thin and frail she had become; it was more about the way that she acted. Sure, Jin was upset about losing the baby, but Xiaoyu was devastated. She cried at night, when Jin was asleep. When he was gone during the day, she lost herself in thought.

Everything at the house had become so lonely without him there. Jin had noticed this change in his wife. Though he wanted to help her, it was difficult for him to figure out a way to bring the life out in Xiaoyu again.

"Jin, do you ever blame me?" she asked one day.

"What?" he asked confused.

"I mean, about the baby," she responded. "Do you ever blame me?"

"Oh no!" he answered, pulling down onto the couch next to him. "I never blame you, baby. It wasn't your fault at all."

Tears started running down her face. "Really?"

"Of course I don't blame you," he answered.

She was openly sobbing now. "It's just that you were so excited about the baby. And I took it away."

"Xiaoyu!" Jin exclaimed. "Is this what your sadness has been about these past few weeks?"

"Well," she sniffed. "Partially."

"Oh, Xiaoyu," Jin began. "Have I made you feel that way?"

"No," she answered. "I just-I blame myself, that's all."

"Shh," Jin whispered, rocking her back and forth. "It's alright, sweetie. I know it wasn't your fault. I'm just glad that you're alright."

"Really?" she asked.

"Of course!" Jin responded. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Xiaoyu laughed through her tears, hugging Jin tightly. "Then what would you say," she paused. "What would you say to trying again?"

Jin stopped and looked down at her. He smiled.

"I mean, maybe not right away, if you didn't want to," she began. "Just sometime."

Jin pulled her closer and pressed his lips against hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him back.

Gently, Xiaoyu pushed Jin's head against the pillow at the end of the couch. She put one leg on either side of him and began to lie on top of him. Before she realized it, his mouth was moving against hers and their hands were at work, stripping off each others clothes.

Jin's kisses trailed down her neck and stopped at her chest. She pulled his body closer to hers. Smiling, she kissed him again and again.

His hands caressed her so gently. Her skin was soft and silky to the touch; smooth like porcelain. Her hands found their way to his hair, slightly wet with sweat, and parted it easily between her fingers.

Their breaths came in quick short gasps. Each of her kisses, long and lingering, grew shorter and sweeter. She moaned softly.

Jin could feel Xiaoyu's body against his, around his, a part of his. They were intertwined in rapture; his senses were intoxicated with the feel of her. He could taste the salt of her skin, feel her silky hair against his face, gently caress the curves of her body.

"Yes," she whispered. She could feel the warmth of her breath against his neck. Her arms were wrapped around him.

Jin moaned softly and Xiaoyu could feel his body shudder against hers. As their bodies separated, Xiaoyu softly whispered, "I love you."

Jin hugged his wife. "I love you too," he responded.