Su Ling's Time Travel

Sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, dappling the winding mountain path and adding a touch of warmth to the arduous journey. Zhang Fugui and his son Zhang Guozhu, carrying heavy backpacks, set off for the mountain school. Their steps were heavy, but their hearts were filled with anticipation and hope.

The mountain path was rugged and uneven, with pebbles rolling underfoot and making a soft sound. Zhang Fugui glanced back at his son every now and then, seeing that although he was young and strong, he was panting heavily. He patted his son's shoulder with concern: "Guozhu, are you tired? Why don't we take a break?"

Zhang Guozhu shook his head and smiled, "Dad, I'm not tired. We need to hurry up and go; the children are waiting for us."

Zhang Fugui nodded with satisfaction, a sense of gratitude welling up inside him. He knew that his son had come with him not only to deliver school supplies and letters, but also to experience life in this impoverished mountain village and understand its hardships and hopes.

Finally, the father and son arrived at the dilapidated school. The school walls were mottled and worn, as if telling the story of the vicissitudes of time. But the faded "Welcome" plaque on the school gate was like a ray of light, illuminating this barren land.

Upon hearing footsteps, the children rushed out of the classroom like little birds, surrounding the father and son and looking them over with curiosity. Although their clothes were worn, their faces were filled with innocent smiles.

"Teacher, who are they?" a child asked timidly.

The teacher smiled and replied, "They are uncles and brothers who came to deliver letters and gifts to us."

Upon hearing this, the children immediately became excited and surrounded Zhang Fugui and Zhang Guozhu, bombarding them with questions.

"Uncle, what gift did you bring?"

"Brother, are you a postman? What fun places have you delivered to?"

Zhang Fugui took out a stack of brand-new teaching supplies and the children's letters from his backpack and handed them to the teacher. His movements were gentle and solemn, as if these items were not only material help, but also comfort to the soul.

“These are school supplies for the children, and these letters are from friends in the outside world,” Zhang Fugui said.

The teacher accepted the items, tears welling in her eyes: "Thank you so much! These are so important to the children."

Zhang Guozhu interacted and played with the children on the sidelines. He took out a soccer ball he had brought and kicked it with the children on the playground. The children's laughter echoed through the valley, as if even the air itself became cheerful.

During breaks, the children gathered around Zhang Guozhu, listening with curiosity as he recounted the wonders of the outside world. Zhang Guozhu vividly described the city's neon lights, skyscrapers, and all sorts of novel things he had seen.

"Brother, is the city really that big?" a child asked, his eyes wide.

“Yes, the city is big and bustling,” Zhang Guozhu replied with a smile. “But no matter how big the city is, we must never forget our hometown, the mountains and rivers here, and you lovely friends.”

The children listened intently, their eyes sparkling with longing for the outside world and anticipation for the future. It was as if, through Zhang Guozhu's descriptions, they were seeing a much wider world.

Looking at the children's innocent smiles, Zhang Fugui couldn't help but reminisce. Many years ago, he too walked this mountain path step by step, delivering mail to the school. Back then, he was just an ordinary postman, but every time he saw the children's joy upon receiving their letters, he felt immense satisfaction and happiness.

Now, he has become a regular visitor to the village. Although his status has changed, his love and sense of responsibility for the children have never wavered. He recalls every letter and gift he once sent to the children, feeling as if he were sowing seeds of hope for them.

"Guozhu, looking at these children reminds me of my own youth," Zhang Fugui said with emotion. "Back then, I was just like them, full of curiosity and longing for the outside world. Now, although our living conditions are better, we can't forget these children in the mountains. They also need our care and help."

Hearing this, Zhang Guozhu felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He held his father's hand tightly and said, "Dad, thank you for bringing me here. Seeing your perseverance and dedication has strengthened my resolve. I want to be like you and make more contributions to these children and to this village."

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, the father and son were about to leave. The children surrounded them reluctantly, their eyes sparkling with reluctance and gratitude.

"Uncles, brothers, thank you!" a child said on behalf of everyone. "We will study hard and, in the future, we want to be like you, leave the mountains, and see the outside world."

Zhang Fugui and Zhang Guozhu exchanged a smile, their hearts filled with satisfaction and pride. They knew that this trip had not only brought material assistance to the children, but more importantly, it had sown seeds of hope in them, inspiring their aspirations and pursuits for the future.

On the way back, the father and son felt exceptionally relaxed. They knew that although the mountain road was rugged and the journey long, their hearts were closer to the children in the mountains. This closeness was not only because they had delivered teaching supplies and letters, but also because they had lit a lamp of hope for the children with their actions and love.

"Guozhu, how are you feeling today?" Zhang Fugui asked.

“That’s great, Dad!” Zhang Guozhu replied excitedly. “I feel like I’ve done something very meaningful. In the future, I will come here more often and communicate more with the children so that they know that the outside world is wonderful, but their hometown is equally worthy of their love and protection.”

Zhang Fugui was filled with relief upon hearing this. He knew his son had understood his original aspirations and mission. Together, father and son, they would continue their journey for this village and for these children.

“Okay, Guozhu,” Zhang Fugui agreed with a smile. “Then let’s come here often. Let love and hope be passed on forever along this mountain road.”