Colorful years

Grandpa's sudden death was like a bolt from the blue, striking Congcong's fragile heart and plunging him into an endless abyss of darkness.

At that moment, the whole world turned gray and dark. Congcong felt a sharp pain in her heart, and tears streamed down her face like a burst dam.

The reason why this grief is so heavy and unbearable is that his grandfather left him before he could witness him come of age.

In Congcong's memory, his grandfather was always quietly by his side, gently stroking his head with his warm and kind hands, giving him meticulous care and love.

However, all of this has now become an irretrievable past. Congcong didn't even have time to repay his grandfather's years of nurturing kindness, never truly fulfilled his filial duty for even a single day, and couldn't let his grandfather, who had worked hard all his life, enjoy a day of plenty and carefree life.

Whenever he thinks of this, Congcong is overwhelmed with regret and self-blame, which causes him unbearable pain.

This painful emotion tormented Congcong day after day, tormenting him for several months.

But gradually, Congcong began to realize that he could not remain immersed in sadness forever. He had to learn to be strong and face reality, and try to get out of this gloom.

So he kept trying to adjust his mindset and emotions, and secretly made up his mind: he must study hard, strive to be better, and make a name for himself in the future to comfort his grandfather's spirit in heaven.

Every day when the sun sets and night falls, when all is quiet, Congcong would sit alone by the window, gazing intently at the bright moon hanging high above, his thoughts drifting back to the past.

At that time, my grandfather was still alive, and the joyful laughter of the two of them often echoed in the small courtyard of our home.

Congcong still remembers that on holidays or festive occasions, his grandfather would pick up his beloved suona and play melodious tunes. Those familiar melodies still linger in his ears and he can't shake them off.

At this moment, Congcong slowly took out the suona that his grandfather used when he was alive from the drawer and carefully held it in his hands.

He gently placed his lips close to the mouthpiece of the suona, took a deep breath, and blew out. In an instant, the notes, filled with longing, rippled outwards like water, spreading and flowing through the air.

Accompanied by this beautiful music, Congcong seemed to return to that warm and joyful little courtyard, where he could once again see his grandfather's kind and amiable smiling face, and his own innocent and carefree childhood self running around happily...

Congcong knew very well that although his grandfather was no longer alive, his spirit and love would live forever in the depths of his heart.

Time flies, and three years have passed in the blink of an eye. Congcong has successfully been admitted to university.

Four years later, Congcong graduated successfully and became a civil servant in the county government compound.

No matter how the seasons change or how fast time flies, Congcong feels that his grandfather has not gone far and has always been by his side.

In his spare time, Congcong would often recall the Three Kingdoms stories that his grandfather had told him.

I often reminisce about that morning when I herded cattle with my grandfather, and I remember the pork chop that my grandfather would save for me even though he couldn't bear to eat it himself.

These little memories, like a warm force, constantly inspire him to keep moving forward.

Twelve years have passed like a flowing river, flowing silently by.

These twelve years, though not a long time for Congcong, have been filled with endless joy and memories.

Every moment is like a dazzling star, inlaid in the canvas of his life.

It is no exaggeration to say that Congcong's childhood story is more colorful and unique than that of other contemporary Chinese children.

Because of his intelligence, cleverness, and good manners, he was highly favored and held a prominent position in the family.

His parents, grandparents, and uncles all loved him dearly; even his aunts and uncles showed him great care.

For many years, siblings from the same mother could only eat meat three times a day, but Congcong actually had far more than that.

Because he received special care from his uncle and aunt.

My uncle, Zhang Hou, was an accountant at the credit union and had a good relationship with the meat station. He often bought meat to improve our lives.

Whether it was Grandma's instruction or her mother's good manners, she would always call Congcong to eat whenever she cooked something delicious.

That afternoon, sunlight shone through the clouds onto the earth, and a gentle breeze brought a touch of coolness.

Congcong was engrossed in a fun game; he and his friends were playing a game of jacks under the Sky Tower.

Their laughter was constant, as if it had painted the whole world with a joyful hue.

Just then, Auntie (a local dialect term) walked over slowly with a gentle smile on her face.

She gently stroked Congcong's head, her tone kind and gentle: "Congcong, your uncle bought a set of pig offal today. Come to our house for dinner tonight."

Congcong was focused on the game and didn't hear clearly. He turned around and looked at his mother, looking somewhat confused.

He blinked and asked in confusion, "Mom, what did you just say?"

“I said, I’d like to invite you to my house for dinner tonight,” Mom replied to Congcong, still smiling.

"Okay, thank you, Mom." Congcong's tone and expression were full of gratitude.

Then, he jumped up happily and shouted to the sky, "There will be delicious food again tonight!"

"This child!" Mom exclaimed, looking at Congcong's happy expression.

After she left happily, Congcong's face was filled with a happy smile.

Seeing this, Houhou couldn't help but say enviously, "Congcong, your mom is so good to you!"

Congcong nodded proudly and replied with pride, "That's right, my mom loves me so much, she's the best mom in the world!"

At this moment, Congcong kept recalling the scene of his mother warmly inviting him to her home every time she cooked a delicious meal.

At this moment, San San also came over and added with a hint of jealousy, "Yeah, I think my mom treats you better than her own daughter!"

Upon hearing this, Congcong smiled triumphantly, his heart filled with warmth and happiness.

He knew he had a special mother, and that love made him feel incredibly lucky.