Chapter 12 Summary

After the New Year's celebration Auntie Yee's health began to deteriorate. She was uncharacteristically tired and achy. She was also losing weight but managed to keep her discomfort a secret. As Yee's closest companion, Moi was the exception. She recognized that something was wrong and treated Yee with herbs to restore her vitality. This worked for some time, but the illness returned. Auntie Yee eventually became so sick that she couldn't hide it anymore. She was coughing up blood and a messenger was sent to inform Chen Ling of her mother's condition. Chen Ling returned to the girls' house to help her mother. As a last request, Yee told Moi that it was her intention that Moi move from the kitchen into Yee's room where she would be more comfortable. Moi grumbled as was her customary way. They had reached an agreement of...