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The brisk autumn wind brushed against faces with an unwavering
determination, leaving a dry touch in its wake. The once-lush foliage of
roadside trees had withered, resembling a cascade of fading butterflies. The
tranquil road was interrupted only by the presence of an elderly person with
silvered hair, gazing silently into the distance. From our countryside
abode, my family had moved to the city, leaving behind only my grandmother.
She remained as a steadfast companion to the fields, rice paddies, and the
rural landscape. A diligent farmer, my grandmother would often carry her hoe
and lead me to our modest patch of land, where she'd tend to vegetables.
Back then, her face would radiate smiles as she listened to my chatter,
simultaneously sowing seeds, covering them with earth, and watering them
with hope. Her eyes would sparkle with anticipation as she whispered, "Grow
quickly, little sprouts, so I can pick the freshest greens for my precious
granddaughter." In response, I'd rush to her, indulging in playful gestures,
exclaiming, "See, I knew you cared, Grandma!"
Now, our entire family had relocated to the city, and my grandmother was
the sole guardian of our ancestral home. Her smiles had gradually faded,
replaced by solitary moments spent tending to vegetables, always selecting
the tender shoots to be harvested. It was as if she awaited my return to
savor those greens.
As the years passed, I matured, no longer the young girl from before.
While my bond with my grandmother remained strong, an intangible closeness
seemed to wane. Her mobility diminished, and she often declared exhaustion,
leaving the crops in the fields to grow untamed, less fragrant, and less
cared for.
Nonetheless, my grandmother continued to gaze into the distance, her eyes
reflective of profound solitude. She yearned for our companionship, her gaze
ever-hopeful.
One day, as she peered into the distance, figures appeared before her.
Her eyes finally lit up with joy, and her smile returned. "You've come
back," she exclaimed with delight, hurrying forward to greet us.
Seeing her in that moment, tears welled in my eyes. The autumn wind
ruffled my cheeks, a sensation eclipsed by the ache in my heart.
This tale underscores the essence of companionship—the significance of
being there for our elders, for their happiness lies in our presence. |
