South Mao, North Ma.

Summary

The narrator recounts their father's monthly visits, which usually bring joy and treats, but this time he arrives with a heavy bag and a solemn expression. The family learns he has hepatitis B, though it's deemed not serious. They enjoy a simple dinner and later visit a bustling temple fair, where the narrator is fascinated by a circus act involving a head in a vase. Despite initial fear, they enter the circus but regret not going in earlier after hearing about impressive acts. The father's health worsens, and the family is concerned. The narrator experiences fear of punishment after falling into icy water, but surprisingly, their parents do not scold them. The father's return is marked by a visible decline in health, leaving the narrator worried about his condition.

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