The cool afternoon air was invigorating. The forest path ahead was clear. It cut through the thick bushes and close-growing trees, stretching out ahead of them invitingly, each turn promising to lead them into unseen adventure. Huo Linghun and Xiao Xin were running toward that adventure, laughing and chasing and catching each other's tails.

They raced together around the bends as the trail snaked through the deep forest until one bend led them to a cliff that stood just over their heads. Huo Linghun thought nothing of it- he leaped at it, grabbing onto some of the various roots protruding from the dirt and pulling himself up. Once he reached the top his running footsteps continued on as if they'd never been halted.

Xiao Xin tried to do the same but the cliff was too tall and he couldn't climb the way Huo Linghun could. "Linghun!" he called, but Huo Linghun's footsteps had already faded away. "Linghun!"

A moment later his ears caught the sound of footsteps again, and the sound of his own name being called: "Xiao Xin!"

When Huo Linghun appeared at the top of the cliff Xiao Xin looked up at him and said, "You forgot me!"

"I thought you were right behind me," Huo Linghun replied. He reached his hand down to help but Xiao Xin didn't take it. "I'm sorry, my Xiao Xin. I'm sorry I wasn't here to help you. But I'm here to help now. I always will be."

Xiao Xin finally took his hand and Huo Linghun pulled him up the cliff and into his arms. "You will always remember me?" Xiao Xin asked.

"You can't remember something that is never forgotten," Huo Linghun replied.