Colorful years

In spring, everything comes back to life, and the riverbank is covered with tender green grass and colorful wildflowers;

In summer, under the scorching sun, the willows along the riverbank droop their long branches, providing shade for passersby.

In autumn, the golden rice glitters in the sunlight, and the joy of harvest fills everyone's heart.

In winter, a thin layer of ice forms on the river. Congcong and his grandfather carefully walk across the riverbank, afraid of disturbing the tranquility.

Each season has its unique scenery and stories, and Congcong and his grandfather's cattle-herding life becomes more colorful amidst these changes.

They went through thick and thin together, shared joys and sorrows, and their friendship grew ever stronger.

One day, Grandpa suddenly said to Congcong, "Congcong, Grandpa is getting old, and I may not be able to herd cattle with you every day anymore."

Congcong felt a little sad after hearing his grandfather's words.

He hugged his grandfather tightly and said, "Grandpa, don't leave me. I want you to stay with me and herd cattle forever."

Grandpa stroked Congcong's head and said gently, "Silly child, how could Grandpa leave you? It's just that Grandpa is getting old and there are some things I can't do anymore. But you can take over from Grandpa and continue this happy life of herding cattle."

Congcong nodded as if he understood, and he secretly made up his mind to take good care of his grandfather and continue the cause they both loved.

From then on, Congcong became more sensible.

Every day, he not only diligently learned cattle-herding knowledge and skills from his grandfather, but also took the initiative to do some housework. Whenever he saw his grandfather's tired figure, Congcong would go over with heartache and massage his grandfather's back and shoulders.

Grandpa watched Congcong grow up day by day, and his heart was filled with joy and pride.

He knew that Congcong was no longer the little boy who needed his constant care; he had grown into a responsible and dependable teenager.

In the blink of an eye, Congcong has finished elementary school and is about to enter junior high school.

Although his studies have become busier, Congcong still insists on getting up early every day to herd cattle with his grandfather. He said, "This is the happiest time of my day, and I don't want to miss it."

Grandpa was both moved and proud when he heard Congcong's words. He knew that this happy life of herding cattle had been deeply imprinted in Congcong's heart and had become one of the most precious memories of his life.

As the years went by, Grandpa's health gradually weakened. His back began to hunch, and walking became slow and labored.

Aging is a gradual process. After all, Grandpa is approaching seventy, and his health is declining day by day.

But he still insisted on going to herd cattle every day, as if that meadow and those cattle were the whole meaning of his life.

He knew that no matter how time passed, his love for the land and the cattle would always be with him until the last moment of his life.

A cow's life will eventually come to an end; this is an inevitable law of nature.

When Congcong was born, the water buffalo had already been raised for seven or eight years.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, Congcong turned five. On that cold winter night, Grandpa fed the water buffalo a meal of buckwheat fodder.

It looked at its grandfather quietly, its heart filled with gratitude.

However, an unexpected tragedy occurred. The next morning, Grandpa was horrified to find the water buffalo lying quietly in the pen, showing no signs of life.

Tears still lingered in its eyes, as if silently expressing its resentment and helplessness.

Faced with this sudden tragedy, Grandpa and Congcong were plunged into deep grief, their hearts heavy with indescribable sorrow…

Sometimes, Grandpa would take that old suona (a traditional Chinese wind instrument) with him when he went to herd cattle.

When the sun shines on the lush green hillside, Grandpa will sit on the grass and let the cows graze freely.

Grandpa would occasionally pick up his suona and gently play melodious tunes.

These melodies, like heavenly sounds, echoed through the mountains and fields.

The cattle seemed to be attracted by the beautiful music as well, chewing on the tender and juicy grass and swaying their tails to the music.

Congcong lay quietly on the grass, closed his eyes, and felt the gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun on his face.

He listened to every note his grandfather played, as if he were in a dream world.

This wonderful experience captivated Congcong, allowing him to enjoy the beautiful moment of being one with nature.

This suona (a traditional Chinese wind instrument) looks ordinary, but it has an extraordinary history and significance. It hangs quietly by Grandpa's bedside, like a loyal companion, silently guarding him.

This little suona has been with my grandfather for half a century. The marks of time are deeply etched on it, but they have not diminished its brilliance.

For Grandpa, the suona was his most precious treasure and his closest friend.

Every morning, when the first rays of sunlight stream into the room, Grandpa would gently pick up the suona and carefully wipe its surface, as if communicating with it.

Grandpa would gently touch every inch of the suona with his tender fingers, feeling its texture and feel.

His eyes were full of love and care, as if he were looking at his own child.

Then, Grandpa would put the suona to his lips and play melodious tunes.

These melodies may not be elaborate, but they contain Grandpa's love for life and his memories of the past.

As the music started, the whole room was filled with a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

That familiar melody seemed to travel through time, taking Grandpa back to his youth.