Colorful years

Congcong took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound more firm:

"Mom, I know these sparrow eggs are delicious, but... but they are living beings too!"

We cannot simply take their lives to satisfy our own appetites. If everyone did this, the number of animals on Earth would decrease, and the ecological balance would be destroyed.

Hearing Congcong's words, his mother's face showed surprise and confusion. She seemed unable to understand why Congcong had suddenly become so "strange" and "out of place".

However, looking into Congcong's firm and determined eyes, she couldn't help but feel a surge of inexplicable emotion and relief.

“My child, you’ve grown up,” the mother said softly. “Your kindness has touched me. I also support your efforts to protect animals and maintain ecological balance.”

But... but in those days, living conditions were very difficult, and a hearty meal was a rare treat. Everyone was generally malnourished, and the farmers' hunting and bird-catching to improve their lives were a last resort.

As Congcong listened to his mother's words, a deep sense of helplessness and sorrow welled up in his heart. He understood that what his mother said was true, and he also knew how difficult life was for people in this era.

However, he understood even more clearly that he could not simply abandon his inner beliefs and principles. He had to make a choice and stand firm on his position at this crucial moment.

"Mom, I know you're right. But... but I can't just stand by and watch these innocent lives be killed! If everyone chose not to eat these sparrow eggs like I do, then maybe we could reduce the harm to animals."

I know my power is small, but... but if everyone makes even a small change, then this world will become a better place! Congcong's voice was a little choked up, but he still insisted on expressing his thoughts.

Looking into Congcong's firm and determined eyes, his mother felt a deep sense of respect and emotion.

She understood that she couldn't change Congcong's mind, nor could she persuade him to eat those sparrow eggs.

However, she understood even more clearly that she should respect Congcong's choice and support his actions.

"Good child, Mom supports you," Mom said softly. "You did the right thing! We can't harm innocent lives because of our own selfish desires. Mom is proud of your courage and kindness!"

Thinking of this, a bright smile appeared on Congcong's face. He turned and walked towards the osmanthus tree, preparing to climb it again.

However, just then, he suddenly heard a series of urgent bird calls. He looked up and saw a sparrow anxiously circling on a branch, as if searching for something.

Congcong's heart skipped a beat. He realized that the sparrow must be looking for its children! He thought of the sparrow's nest and eggs that he had just destroyed, and a deep sense of guilt and self-reproach welled up in his heart.

He understood that he had to take remedial measures to make up for his mistake.

According to the timeline, he had already destroyed the sparrow's nest by this time, but he hadn't yet given the eggs to his mother, so he should have had enough time.

He quickly climbed the osmanthus tree and arrived near the destroyed sparrow's nest.

He carefully searched around for traces of the sparrow eggs, hoping to find them and return them to the anxious mother sparrow.

After a difficult search and effort, he finally found the bird eggs in a corner.

They still lay there intact, radiating the breath of life.

Congcong felt a surge of excitement and joy. He quickly picked up the sparrow eggs and prepared to return them to the mother sparrow.

However, just then, he suddenly heard a familiar voice in his ear: "Congcong, what are you doing here?"

Congcong looked up and saw his mother standing under the tree, watching him. He was startled, afraid that his mother would scold him for climbing the tree again.

However, to his surprise, his mother did not get angry or blame him. Instead, she asked in a gentle and caring tone, "Congcong, did you find those sparrow eggs? What do you plan to do with them?"

Looking into his mother's gentle and caring eyes, Congcong felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He understood that his mother had grasped his thoughts and actions, and that he had received her understanding and support.

He smiled and said to his mother, "Mom, I found these sparrow eggs. I plan to return them to the mother sparrow so that they can continue to live in this world."

Hearing Congcong's words, his mother's face showed a smile of relief and pride.

She nodded gently and said, "Good child! You did the right thing! We should respect and protect every life. Your kindness and courage make me proud of you!"