Colorful years

Witnessing his parents working hard day after day just to ensure the basic food and clothing of the whole family, Congcong couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow and sadness.

How he longed to grow up quickly, share some of the responsibility for his family, and lighten his parents' burden!

Whenever the night is deep and quiet, Congcong can't help but fall into deep thought about the meaning and value of life.

He knew that only through persistent study could he change his own and his family's fate.

However, since he was not yet old enough to attend school, he had no choice but to stay at home, filled with guilt and unease, feeling as if he had become a burden to his family.

Spring goes and autumn comes, the four seasons change, and time flies by like a white horse galloping past a crack in the wall.

Before we knew it, another winter had quietly arrived. The cold wind was biting, the snow was falling heavily, and the whole world was covered in white snow, presenting a scene of silver and white.

The snowy winter scenery sparked endless daydreams in Congcong…

Looking at the picturesque snow scene outside the window, Congcong felt a surge of indescribable melancholy.

He recalled last winter when his whole family sat around the warm fireplace, laughing and chatting happily. That warmth and happiness is still unforgettable for him.

However, life remains difficult. My parents are still busy making a living, and the burden of life has left them exhausted, their faces etched with the marks of time.

Before we knew it, the Spring Festival was approaching, and the firewood at home was almost gone. Just then, the work of the production team was also basically finished, so everyone was given three days off to prepare for the New Year.

The father decided to lead his eldest brother, second sister, and third sister to chop firewood at Bamian Mountain. Congcong felt this was a rare opportunity, a chance to improve himself and contribute to the family, so he signed up without hesitation.

“Congcong, the Bamian Mountain your father and the others are going to is a long and arduous journey. You are still too young to endure such hardship. It’s better to stay at home.” The mother stroked Congcong’s head and gently persuaded him.

"Yes, Congcong, listen to your mother and stay home to wait for your father to come back after he finishes chopping firewood." The father expressed the same concern.

"Daddy, Mommy, I'm six years old now, and I'm quite strong, so let me do it." Congcong said, waving his little fists to show his strength and prove that he had grown up and could handle some housework.

"Since Congcong is so determined, let him go with us." In the end, the father was moved by Congcong's persistence and nodded in agreement.

"That's great! Thank you, Daddy!" Congcong jumped up happily, his face beaming with joy and excitement.

The next morning, Congcong got up early, afraid of missing the departure time and losing the precious opportunity to go up the mountain to chop firewood with his father.

Before setting off, the father said to Congcong, "Congcong, you are still young, so you don't need to chop firewood yourself this time. Dad will chop a big log for you, and you just need to carry it back."

"Okay, I'll listen to Daddy." Congcong thought to himself that as long as he could go up the mountain and help his family carry firewood back, nothing else mattered.

Along the way, Congcong was extremely excited, constantly asking his older brothers and sisters for tips and precautions on chopping firewood.

At first, Congcong was able to keep up with everyone's pace, but as time went on, he gradually felt physically exhausted, and his steps became heavier and heavier.

The mountain path was winding and full of thorns, and Congcong's little feet ached from the prickles. But he didn't give up; instead, he gritted his teeth and persevered.

Finally, they arrived at the heart of Mount Bamian. The mountain peaks stood majestically, piercing the clouds, and the trees were lush and verdant, blocking out the sun.

Sunlight filters through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows that add to the mystery and tranquility of this enigmatic forest.

Once inside the dense jungle, the father and his siblings began searching for dry branches and twigs. Congcong followed closely behind his father, watching him skillfully gather branches and cut down dead trees…

The father pointed to a dead tree in front of him and said to Congcong, "Congcong, look, although that tree is dead, its branches are still strong. We can cut it down and use it as firewood."

Congcong looked in the direction his father was pointing and saw a tall, withered tree standing on a steep cliff. Having endured the trials of wind, sun, and rain, its bark had cracked, revealing a dry trunk. Yet, it still stood stubbornly, as if showing the world its resilience and indomitable spirit.

"Father, that tree is so tall and it grows on a cliff, how can we cut it down?" Congcong asked in surprise.

"Although it may be difficult, nothing is impossible with courage and wisdom," the father said, picking up a machete and carefully beginning to climb the cliff.

Congcong watched his father's every move with bated breath. His father carefully stepped on the rocks and tree roots, inching his way uphill. Suddenly, his father slipped and lost his balance, and Congcong screamed in fright.

Fortunately, the father reacted quickly, grabbing a nearby tree branch to steady himself.

This scene terrified Congcong, but it also made him admire his father's courage and wisdom even more.

He secretly resolved to learn from his father and become a brave and wise person.

After regaining his footing, the father continued climbing until he finally reached the withered tree. He picked up a machete and began chopping down its branches.

This dead tree is a sandalwood tree, with extremely hard wood and a trunk as thick as a bowl, making it exceptionally difficult to cut down.

It took the father a great deal of effort to cut it down, and he gestured for Congcong to move aside. As the withered tree crashed down the cliff, Congcong excitedly shouted, "Daddy, you're amazing! This branch is enough for our family to cook several meals!"