It's not too late to meet in the book

Sunlight filtered through the slits in the curtains, dappling every corner of the room like nature's gentlest solace, attempting to dispel the gloom from the children's hearts. Yet, beneath this warm sunlight, Lei Xiaoyue and Lin Yuxuan felt unusually heavy-hearted. They sat in a corner of the room, surrounded by a few unfinished books and forgotten toys, their eyes staring blankly ahead, their thoughts long since drifting off into the distance.

Lei Xiaoyue clenched her hands tightly, her knuckles turning slightly white from the strain. Her eyes held a mixture of fear and resentment. She knew she couldn't let fear control her forever, but every time she felt the stillness of the night, or at a moment's notice, those horrific memories would flood back like a tide, drowning her.

She stood up and walked to the mirror. Looking at her tear-stained self, she whispered, "I need to be strong. I can't stay this scared." Her voice was weak, but every word was filled with determination. Lei Xiaoyue took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She stared at her reflection, as if conversing with another self, trying to let go of the painful memory.

However, fear wasn't so easily dispelled. Every time she closed her eyes, that terrifying moment would replay in her mind like a movie, taking her breath away. Lei Xiaoyue shook her head vigorously, trying to erase the images from her mind. She told herself that it was all in the past, an unchangeable fact. She had to learn to accept it and bravely move forward.

At this moment, Lin Yuxuan's voice came from the other side of the room: "Xiaoyue, what are you doing?" There was a hint of confusion and concern in his voice.

Lei Xiaoyue turned and looked at Lin Yuxuan. He was also sitting in the corner of the room, his head in his hands, his eyes filled with struggle. Lin Yuxuan kept muttering, "It was just an accident. I want to forget it." His voice gradually faded, as if he was engaged in a silent battle with the fear deep within him.

Lei Xiaoyue walked to Lin Yuxuan and patted him on the shoulder gently: "Yuxuan, we are all working hard, aren't we?" Her voice was soft and firm, trying to give Lin Yuxuan some comfort and encouragement.

Lin Yuxuan raised his head and looked at Lei Xiaoyue, a trace of confusion flashed in his eyes: "Xiaoyue, can I really forget it? That scene appears every time I close my eyes. I'm so scared."

Lei Xiaoyue held Lin Yuxuan's hand tightly: "Yuxuan, we all know that it is difficult, but we must work hard. We can't let that memory control us forever. We must believe that one day, we will get out of this haze."

Lin Yuxuan nodded. Although there was still fear in his eyes, it was more of a trust in Lei Xiaoyue and an expectation for the future. He took a deep breath, as if to cheer himself up: "Yes, we can do it."

They sat back down on the floor and began trying new ways to distract themselves. Lei Xiaoyue picked up a book, attempting to read to forget the painful memories. However, her mind remained distorted, and the words in the book seemed to transform into blurry shadows, swaying before her eyes.

Lin Yuxuan picked up a toy car and fiddled with it on the floor. His movements were mechanical, but his eyes revealed a determination. He was trying to tell himself that life went on and he must face the future bravely.

The atmosphere in the room grew incredibly heavy. The sunlight, though still warm, seemed unable to penetrate the haze of gloom in the children's hearts. Their expressions were sometimes resolute, sometimes shrouded in fear. They knew this was a long and difficult road, but they had to bravely continue.

Lei Xiaoyue put down the book in her hand and looked at Lin Yuxuan: "Yuxuan, let's play a game. Let's play the role of warriors and defeat the monsters in our hearts." There was a hint of smile in her voice, trying to ease the tense atmosphere in this way.

Lin Yuxuan raised his head, a gleam in his eyes: "Good idea! I'll be the knight, you'll be the magician, and we'll defeat those monsters together!"

They began to form a formation on the ground, using toys and books as weapons and defensive tools. Although these games might seem childish to adults, for them, they were a rare form of release and catharsis. They found a moment of peace and joy in the games, as if temporarily forgetting those painful memories.

However, when the game ends and they return to reality, the fear and anxiety still follow them. They know that this is only a temporary escape and they must face and solve these problems.

Lei Xiaoyue looked at Lin Yuxuan: “Yuxuan, we can’t go on like this. We must find a way to get rid of these fears.”

Lin Yuxuan nodded: "Yes, we can't keep running away. We must face it bravely and then defeat it."

They began trying various methods to overcome their fears. Together, they practiced deep breathing and meditation to calm their minds. They also drew and kept journals, channeling painful memories into more positive expressions. While these methods didn't immediately eliminate their fears, they gradually gave them the courage and strength to face their challenges.

In the process, their friendship with each other became deeper.