Colorful years

And so, as time went by, the deep emotional bond between Congcong and his maternal grandparents grew stronger and stronger.

Although they are in different places and far apart, their hearts are always closely connected, as if an invisible and incredibly strong bond is binding them together.

No matter how far apart we are, no matter how many difficulties and challenges we encounter, this family bond is unbreakable.

They deeply understood that time would continue to pass and everything in the world would constantly change.

However, the deep kinship derived from blood ties and the profound love hidden in the heart will never change.

Like the brightest star in the night sky, it shines with a warm and lasting light even when everything around it is dim.

However, birth, aging, illness, and death are natural laws that humanity cannot escape or resist. Just as Congcong was wholeheartedly immersed in the intense preparation for the college entrance examination, his beloved grandfather passed away due to illness! This news was undoubtedly a heavy blow to Congcong.

Fearing that this news would affect Congcong's exam performance, his father and mother resolutely chose to keep the truth from him.

In fact, they had already kept the news from the outside world when his grandfather's condition deteriorated rapidly, so Congcong was completely unaware of his grandfather's serious illness and death.

Therefore, Congcong regretfully missed the opportunity to say goodbye to his grandfather, was unable to see his grandfather one last time, and was unable to accompany him on the last journey of his life.

This regret weighed heavily on his heart like a giant boulder, causing him deep pain and self-blame, becoming an eternal scar in his soul.

After the college entrance examination, Congcong finally learned the devastating news of his grandfather's death. At that moment, grief surged like a tidal wave, completely overwhelming him.

He found it hard to accept this cruel reality, and his heart was so heavy that it felt as if the whole world had lost its color and vitality.

Congcong arrived at his grandfather's tombstone, knelt down, clasped his hands together, and prayed silently. Tears streamed down his face like broken pearls, dripping onto the cold tombstone. Each drop embodied his deep longing and reluctance to part with his grandfather.

He waited there quietly for an entire day, mourning the loved one who had once loved him so dearly with endless longing and regret.

At that moment, the whole world seemed to stand still, time seemed to be frozen, and Congcong's heart was instantly overwhelmed by endless sorrow and self-blame.

He painfully recalled the times he had missed, and regret surged into his heart like a tidal wave.

He regretted not spending more time with his beloved grandfather, and why he chose to be absent when the old man most craved care.

Every moment he was not there for her has now become an unbearable pain in his heart.

However, no matter how much remorse one feels, reality is cruelly despairing. All the regrets and mistakes have been made and can never be made up for or changed.

Now, all I can do is express my deepest regret and reluctance in this heavy and powerless way.

My grandfather has left me forever, leaving behind only a black and white portrait hanging on the wall.

Congcong stood quietly in front of his grandfather's portrait, tears blurring his vision, but he still tried to keep his eyes wide open, wanting to deeply imprint his grandfather's kind face in his mind.

He clasped his hands together and prayed with utmost devotion, hoping that his grandfather could rest in peace in the distant heaven and no longer suffer from illness.

In this moment filled with grief, Grandma appeared even more haggard and fragile. Her once bright eyes had lost their luster, and the wrinkles on her face seemed to have deepened with sorrow.

Congcong looked at her grandmother with heartache.

He knew that at this moment, he had to be strong, become his grandmother's solid support, and accompany her through this exceptionally difficult time.

So he slowly reached out and tightly grasped his grandmother's slightly trembling hand. Through the warmth from his palm, Congcong conveyed a firm strength to his grandmother.

He raised his head, gazing at his grandmother with deep affection and unwavering determination, and whispered, "Grandma, don't be afraid, I will always be by your side and will never leave." These words were like the warm sun in winter, warming his grandmother's broken heart.

From then on, Congcong devoted himself even more to accompanying his grandmother, taking her for walks, trips, and medical appointments, demonstrating his deep love and respect for her through his actions.

Congcong gradually emerged from the shadow of losing his grandfather and regained the courage and strength to live.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, Congcong has entered his prime, has his own family and career, and has become busier and more mature.

No matter how busy or tired he is, he will always make time to visit his grandmother, chat with her, and have meals with her, because he knows that his grandmother is one of the most important people in his life, and also his eternal concern and reliance.

Grandma also often thinks about Congcong and his family, and frequently calls to inquire about their lives and work.

Whenever Congcong brings the children home to visit her, she smiles from ear to ear, as if she is seeing the happy times of her youth.

My grandmother's health has never been good; she suffers from severe gastrointestinal problems and often clutches her stomach, groaning in pain.

Since Congcong started working, he brought his grandmother to the county town and asked experts from the county hospital to consult and treat her.

After a period of careful treatment, my grandmother's condition was effectively controlled, avoiding the tragedy of sudden death due to colic.

And so, my grandmother lived for another ten years or so.

This is undoubtedly the only successful case of Congcong defying fate in his life, but that's a story for another time, so let's leave that aside for now and go back to Congcong's childhood.