Colorful years

Time slips away like a thief, and before we knew it, it was already two o'clock in the afternoon. At this time, the sun hangs high in the sky, radiating scorching light and baking the earth.

They arrived at the border between Ganzipo and Xiyu Brigade. From here, if they chose to go through the valley to the west, descend the mountain road to Maoxi, and then head to Guanping to reach the county town, the journey would be more than ten miles shorter than the main road they usually took—which was via Jiaoziya, over Yuxi, and down Maoxi to Guanping.

However, this road is a narrow and winding path, overgrown with weeds and stray rocks on both sides, requiring extra caution to walk on.

And so, the father and son endured hunger and exhaustion, taking one difficult step after another to move forward.

When they finally arrived at Guanping, night had already fallen. The surroundings were pitch black, as if shrouded by a giant black curtain, making it almost impossible to see anything. At that moment, it was truly pitch black; only the faintly white pavement allowed them to barely discern their direction.

"Dad, I'm so hungry, I can't walk another step!" Congcong clung tightly to his father's clothes, complaining incessantly, his voice filled with grievance and pain.

Seeing his son's pitiful appearance, the father knew that the little guy's stomach was probably growling loudly, like a deflated balloon. In fact, wasn't he himself starving too? That empty feeling was as uncomfortable as countless tiny insects gnawing at his stomach.

“Cong’er, my good child, I know you’re starving. Wait here for a while, I’ll go and see if there’s a farmhouse nearby where we can beg for some food to fill our stomachs.” After saying that, Zhang Zhong mustered his spirits and walked toward a farmhouse not far away.

He gently knocked on the tightly closed door, silently praying that the other party would lend a helping hand.

"Fellow villager, I'm so sorry to bother you. My child has been walking with me all day and hasn't eaten anything yet. He's so hungry he can't walk anymore. Could you please give us something to eat?" Zhang Zhong, looking tired and travel-worn, looked expectantly at the simple but cozy house in front of him and called out loudly into the house.

A moment later, there was a creaking sound, and the door slowly opened, revealing a burly middle-aged man.

He looked to be in his forties, with a broad face and a kind and warm demeanor. With a hearty wave of his hand, he laughed and said, "Hey, stop standing there talking, call the kids and come inside!"

"Congcong, come here quickly!" Hearing his father's call, Congcong, who had been listless, seemed to have been injected with an stimulant and instantly perked up.

His eyes lit up, and his little feet started moving quickly as he ran towards the house.

Once inside, the man and the burly man sat down at the table and started chatting. From their conversation, Congcong learned that this kind uncle was also surnamed Zhang! And what was even more surprising was that Uncle Zhang was a proud demobilized soldier! Now, after returning to his hometown, he served as the team leader in the production team.

Perhaps it was because of their similar life experiences, coupled with the unforgettable bond of sharing the same surname, that these two gentlemen seemed to have found kindred spirits. The more they talked, the more they clicked, as if they had known each other for a long time!

Meanwhile, Captain Zhang's wife was already busy preparing the meal in the kitchen. She quickly reheated the cold food and brought it to the table, warmly urging the father and son to eat while it was hot.

After the father and son had their fill, they gratefully waved goodbye to the kind-hearted Captain Zhang and his family. Then, with firm and strong steps, they set off onto the wide road leading to the county town.

With their hunger gone and the road beneath their feet smooth and firm, the father and son felt exceptionally relaxed, their steps becoming lighter. Along the way, they chatted and laughed, discussing their upcoming trip to the county town and their various hopes and expectations for the future.

Time flew by unnoticed, and the thirty-mile-long road seemed to have shrunk considerably. In just about two and a half hours, the vibrant and hopeful county town came into view before the father and son.

Looking at the bustling streets, crowds, and towering buildings in the distance, the two quickened their pace, filled with longing and excitement for their new life, as they headed towards their aunt's house.