The tiger stared hard at the canvas, taking in the depth of the black against the white. The Yin Yang he had painted popped out at him, the colors almost deceiving his perception of it.
He shook his head in disappointment, not happy with his work.
He sighed as he stood up from the old wooden stool he was sitting on and plopped down on his bed.
It was cold and flat, not a single cushion that sustained it. He could feel the muscles in his lower back tense up as he adjusted himself.
"What a mess." He uttered quietly.
Suddenly, his door opened to reveal a slim and graceful figure.
"A beautiful mess at that." She said as she smiled at his canvas.
"How did you even hear me?" He asked.
"The walls are as thin as paper, darling. You'd be lucky to save a whisper in here."
"What's new?" He said, laying his head back on the pillow.
"Well, An is doing better in school. The teacher even sent a letter."
She handed it to him, and he read it carefully.
"Hmph. That girl never ceases to amaze me." He handed the letter back as he sat up.
"Likewise." She replied. "We have a wonderful daughter. The universe has truly blessed us, Zhanshi."
He slightly frowned as he looked attentively at his wife.
"Anwei?"
"Yes darling?"
"Have you ever thought about it?" He let out with a sigh.
"Thought about what?"
"Telling her. I mean, she's 16 now. She's gonna start asking questions eventually. And I can't fathom in my mind what to even say to her when she does."
Anwei lowered her head and exhaled deeply.
"I truly don't know, Zhanshi. She's so intelligent. I feel like she would catch on before even asking anything. But what to do in that moment? When she confronts us? I don't know."
Zhanshi put his paw to his face and sighed.
"I can't stop thinking about it. It's making it hard to focus on my work. I just...I'm so worried. I can't bear seeing her hurt if she does find out."
Anwei gently placed her paws on her husband's face.
"We will figure it out when the time comes. But right now, think about what you're doing and who you're doing it for. This work is not for nothing." Anwei said, looking towards the canvas.
Zhanshi looked as well, with an unsure smile on his face.
He closed his eyes for a few long seconds, until Anwei pulled him closer and kissed him.
Breaking away, she smiled at him.
"Focus, darling. And keep yourself at peace."
Then she left, gently shutting the door behind her.
Zhanshi sat in silence for several minutes, until a spark of ambition lit within him, and he found himself back on the stool.