" these days I’m thinking of giving you a son. Hua’s going to be big soon, and she can help me. Don’t you want a son?” For a moment he remained silent. Then he said, “No, I don’t need a son. Hua’s good enough for me. My brother has three sons. Let them carry on the family line. It’s a feudal idea anyway.” “Don’t you think of our old age? When we’re old and can’t move about and work the fields, we’ll need a son to help us. You’re always away, this home needs a man.” “We are not old yet. Besides, Hua will help us when she grows up. Don’t worry.” “A girl isn’t a reliable thing. She belongs to someone else after she’s married.” He said no more, amazed by a sudden realization that if she were Manna, he might embrace and kiss her, calling her “Little Treasure” or “Sugar Ball,” but he did not know what to do with Shuyu, whom he had kissed only in the darkness a long time ago. Now any intimacy with her would be unnatural. She stood up and walked away, her shoulders drooping more. "

― Ha Jin , Waiting