Colorful years

As night fell, Zhang Cong finally returned to his familiar hometown. Without even resting, he went straight to the hospital.

When he pushed open the door to the ward, he saw his father lying on the bed, pale and weak. His mother sat by the bed, holding his hands tightly, her eyes filled with anxiety and exhaustion.

"Congcong, you're back." The mother forced a smile when she saw Zhang Cong. But her smile was full of bitterness and helplessness.

Zhang Cong walked to his father's side and softly called out, "Dad."

The father slightly opened his eyes, and upon seeing Zhang Cong, a relieved smile appeared on his lips. He laboriously raised his hand and gently patted Zhang Cong's shoulder.

"Congcong, Dad's fine, don't worry." The father's voice was weak, but it was full of firmness and strength.

However, Zhang Cong sensed a hint of concealment and worry in his father's eyes. He knew that his father's condition was far more serious than he had imagined.

In order not to disturb his father's rest, he held back his tears and silently left the ward.

In the corridor, Zhang Cong met the attending physician. The doctor told him that his father's leg infection had been initially controlled, but due to the prolonged delay, the inflammation had spread and caused pneumonia.

Currently, my father's condition is quite serious, requiring continued anti-infection treatment and close monitoring of any changes in his condition.

Hearing this news, Zhang Cong felt as if his heart was being torn apart. He knew that his father's hospitalization had not only depleted the family's savings but also made their already impoverished situation even worse.

He, his mother, and his elder brother have been running around trying to raise money for medical expenses, but with little success.

Back in the ward, Zhang Cong looked at his father lying on the bed and his exhausted mother, his heart filled with helplessness and despair. He knew he had to make a decision, a decision that could save his family and his father.

After a sleepless night, Zhang Cong finally made a decision. He decided to drop out of school and go home to help his mother take care of his father, while also preparing for the college entrance examination.

He believes that as long as he works hard enough, he can achieve excellent results even at home. More importantly, he hopes to use his actions to ease the burden on his family and help his father recover as soon as possible.

When Zhang Cong told his mother about his decision, she was stunned at first, then tears welled up in her eyes. She knew what her son's decision meant, and how difficult it was for him. But she also understood that her son's decision was for the sake of the family and for his father.

"Congcong, are you really sure? Dropping out of school is no small matter," the mother said, her voice choked with emotion.

Zhang Cong nodded, his eyes shining with determination: "Mom, I've made up my mind. I can't just stand by and watch Father suffer and our family fall into hardship. I'm going to drop out of school and come home to help you through this difficult time."

Upon hearing Zhang Cong's words, his mother hugged him tightly, tears wetting his shoulders. She knew how great and selfless her son's decision was, and she felt proud and honored to have such a son.

In the days that followed, Zhang Cong devoted himself entirely to taking care of his father and preparing for the college entrance examination. Every morning, he would get up to prepare breakfast for his father, feed him his medicine, and bathe him.

Then, he sat down at his desk and diligently reviewed his lessons. In the evenings, he would help his mother with housework and take care of his father until he fell asleep. Although life was hard, Zhang Cong never uttered a single complaint.

Under Zhang Cong's meticulous care, his father's condition gradually improved. His complexion gradually regained its rosy hue, and his spirits became more and more vibrant.

Seeing his son taking such good care of him, the father was filled with guilt and gratitude. He often held Zhang Cong's hand, tears welling up in his eyes, saying, "Congcong, it's all my fault, I've been a burden to you."

Hearing his father's words, Zhang Cong would always smile and shake his head: "Dad, don't say that. I am your son, it is only right that I take care of you. As long as you can recover soon, I will be content."

As time went by, the college entrance examination drew ever closer. Zhang Cong knew that this was a crucial moment for him to change his destiny and save his family. He studied even harder, striving to achieve excellent results in the exam.

However, fate seemed determined not to let this family off easily. Just before the college entrance examination, the father's condition suddenly worsened. He developed a high fever again, and his temperature continued to rise without any sign of abating.

Seeing his father in such pain, Zhang Cong felt as if his heart was being torn apart. He knew he had to make a choice: give up the college entrance exam or devote himself entirely to taking care of his father.

After a fierce internal struggle, Zhang Cong finally decided to choose the latter.

When he announced his decision, his parents strongly opposed it, with his father even threatening to give up treatment.

Finally, both sides reached a compromise: Congcong would assist his mother in taking care of his father for a week, and then focus on taking the college entrance examination.

With the meticulous care of Zhang Cong and his mother, his father's condition was brought under control again. Although he was still weak, he was able to get out of bed and take care of himself.

Seeing his son taking such good care of him, the father was filled with gratitude and guilt: "Congcong, it's all my fault. I've dragged you down. You've neglected your college entrance exam preparation because of me. I'm so sorry."

Hearing his father's words, Zhang Cong would always smile and shake his head: "Dad, don't say that. Although the college entrance examination is important, it is nothing compared to your life and health. I will be content as long as you recover soon."