Colorful years

The rising sun, like a sharp sword, pierced through the thin veil of mist in the mountains, its golden rays pouring down and enveloping the operating room nestled in the mountains. However, this golden light appeared unusually pale, as if foreshadowing something.

San San slowly removed her mask, revealing dark circles under her eyes, like shadows in the night, striking and heartbreaking. Her voice was hoarse and cold, as if carrying endless weariness: "No sexual intercourse for three months."

After saying this, an indescribable pain flashed in her eyes, a pain like a shooting star that instantly streaked across her eyes, yet left a deep imprint on her heart. However, this pain was quickly interrupted by a piercing sound of instruments colliding, a sound that seemed particularly abrupt in the silent operating room, making everyone's heart tighten.

Wang Li lay weakly on the operating table, her body seemingly drained of all strength, like a puppet whose strings had been cut.

Her vision blurred, and the whole world appeared distorted and unreal in her eyes. The sound of blood sloshing in the enamel bucket echoed in her ears, a dull and oppressive sound like a silent accusation, striking her heart.

Her fingers unconsciously gripped the sheets, her knuckles turning white from the force. She seemed to be trying to grasp something, perhaps the lost hope, or perhaps the beauty of the past, but at this moment, she couldn't hold onto anything.

On the return bus, Zhang Cong quietly looked at Wang Li's pale profile, his heart filled with heartache and helplessness. His gaze inadvertently fell on the blood-stained enamel bucket in the corner of the operating room; that glaring red stain stirred an indescribable sadness in his heart.

He pulled out the crumpled marriage application from his pocket. The ink from his pen had seeped into the "Applicant's Guarantee" section, and the irregular marks resembled the tear stains on Wang Li's eyes, stinging his eyes.

As the bus traversed the thirty-six hairpin bends of Aizhai, the vehicle swayed incessantly, as if everyone's heart was also tossed about by the turbulence. Suddenly, Wang Li asked in a trembling voice, "Do you think the child is in pain?" Her voice trembled, filled with deep self-reproach and anguish.

Zhang Cong was taken aback at first, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. Then, he gave a bitter smile, his voice so soft it was almost inaudible: "Baby, it's all in the past, it wasn't your fault." His fingers trembled slightly as he wanted to hold Wang Li's hand, to offer her some warmth and comfort, but he was afraid of touching the unhealed wounds in her heart.

Wang Li turned her head to the window, tears silently streaming down her face. The mountain mist condensed into droplets on the car window; each droplet seemed like countless eyes staring at her, filling her with unbearable oppression and pain. Her fingers gently touched her lower abdomen, which felt empty, as if a piece of flesh had been ripped out, leaving only endless pain and emptiness.

For several days, Wang Li was immersed in the pain of losing her child, unable to pull herself out of it. Whenever the night was deep and quiet, darkness was like an invisible hand, tightly gripping her throat, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.

She would always dream of that child she had never met, that tiny life that appeared and disappeared in her dreams. In the dream, the child's face was blurry, but his clear eyes were particularly striking, filled with doubt and sorrow, as if asking, "Mommy, why don't you want me?" Whenever she woke up from such a dream, Wang Li's pajamas would be soaked with cold sweat, and tears would silently stream down her face, wetting her cold pillow.

She felt like a sinner, that she had deprived an innocent life of its right to be born. This guilt weighed on her heart like a mountain, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.

She began to fear being alone, fear the dark, and fear any detail that might remind her of that child. Whenever she heard a baby crying, her heart ached as if pierced by needles; whenever she saw a child in someone else's arms, her eyes would reveal endless sadness and envy.

Zhang Cong became Wang Li's only support. He was like a beacon, radiating warmth in her dark world. He patiently guided her, soothing her inner pain with gentle words; he stayed by her side, making her feel less lonely and helpless; he took meticulous care of her, letting her experience the happiness of being loved and cherished. With his warmth and love, he gradually melted the ice in Wang Li's heart, slowly restoring its temperature.

Encouraged by Zhang Cong, Wang Li began to try to step out of the shadows, to connect with the outside world, and to rebuild her confidence in life. They strolled together along the park paths, feeling the warmth of the sun and the gentle caress of the breeze; they sat on benches, chatting and laughing, sharing their joys and sorrows; they went to the cinema, immersing themselves in the world of movies and temporarily forgetting the troubles of life.

Although these seemingly ordinary activities cannot completely heal Wang Li's inner wounds, they at least allow her to feel the beauty and hope of life, and let her know that there are still many things in this world worth cherishing and pursuing.

One night, the moonlight shone like water, spilling into every corner of the room. Wang Li curled up in Zhang Cong's arms, sobbing softly, "Cong, I always feel like I killed our child." Her voice was filled with self-blame and pain, heartbreaking to hear.

Zhang Cong hugged her tightly, his voice choked with emotion, and said, "Don't say that, we'll have children again, we definitely will." His voice was full of determination and comfort, as if he were making an eternal promise to Wang Li.

Finally, one day, Wang Li mustered up her courage and said to Zhang Cong, "Cong, I want to get married. I want to build a family with you and face the storms of the future together." Her voice was soft, but it carried a resolute strength, as if she had made an important decision after a long period of thought and struggle.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Cong was overjoyed, his eyes gleaming with happiness. He hugged Wang Li tightly, as if trying to meld her into his very being, ensuring she would never leave him. He knew this was a crucial step for Wang Li to emerge from her trauma, and a turning point in their relationship.

They decided to return to Zhonghu to discuss marriage with Zhang Cong's parents. The journey from Jishou to Zhonghu was over 300 kilometers. Along the way, they were filled with both anticipation and a touch of trepidation.

They didn't know how Zhang Cong's parents would view the marriage, nor did they know what the future would hold. However, the moment they stepped into Zhang Cong's home, all their worries vanished.

Zhang Cong's parents warmly welcomed them, their faces beaming with kind smiles. Their eyes were filled with love and blessings for their children, making Wang Li and Zhang Cong feel the warmth of home. When they heard the news that Wang Li and Zhang Cong were getting married, they were overjoyed and urged them to complete the formalities as soon as possible.

Their married life, though ordinary, was filled with warmth. The couple's combined monthly salary was only a little over one hundred yuan, which made their lives somewhat difficult.

Moreover, it had been agreed before the marriage that they would set aside thirty yuan each month for their younger brother Zhang Liang, who was in high school, for living expenses and tuition. This was undoubtedly a considerable expense for them, but they did not complain at all, because they knew it was their responsibility as older brother and sister-in-law.

When they got married, the young couple had only five hundred yuan saved up. After buying a washing machine, they didn't have enough money to buy large appliances like a television or refrigerator. Although their home lacked modern appliances, it was filled with love and warmth.

If the pre-marital period corresponds to romance, then the post-marital period is about reality. The mundane details of daily life, such as groceries and household chores, require them to face and resolve them together.

They began planning for the future together, envisioning a bright tomorrow. They imagined what their future home would be like, and how adorable and intelligent their children would be.

They worked hard for their family together, encountering many difficulties and setbacks along the way. But they always held hands and remained connected, facing every challenge and opportunity in life together. They believed that as long as they loved and supported each other, no difficulty was insurmountable.

Two years later, this small family, which was not well-off to begin with, finally welcomed a brand new family member—a beautiful, lively, clever and incredibly cute little girl.

Her arrival undoubtedly brought indescribable joy and happiness to this family. When they first saw this little life, their eyes were filled with joy and emotion; they knew that this little life would be their hope and motivation for the future.

However, as the child grows older, household expenses increase, especially the financial pressure. Baby formula, diapers, clothes, and other necessities all cost money, and education expenses are also a significant burden.

During this period, they had elderly parents to care for, a younger brother to support, and young children to raise. The burden was undeniably heavy. This made the couple feel somewhat overwhelmed, to the point that they began to frequently argue and have conflicts over issues such as money.