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"Mmm ..., these rambutans are certainly
delicious," declared
Chi Ming, smacking his lips. "I'm glad you
like them," said Chun Hau, beaming with pride.
"They're from my orchard. My grandfather planted
the trees more than fifteen years ago and
they've been yielding good fruit since." "You
know," Chun Hau continued, "I can always
remember the care and attention my grandfather
showered on those trees as if they were his
children. When I was younger, I used to be so
jealous of them
as I felt Grandpa showered the trees with more
love than he did on me. My cousins felt the
same. it sounds crazy, right ? But at that time,
it was so real. I felt invisible whenever I
accompanied Grandpa to the orchard. It was as if
nothing else mattered except his trees. But I
suppose, that is to be expected. Grandpa was a
man of the soil. Yes, he was an honest and
hard-working man, tilling the land which gave
him much in return -- fruit, paddy and
vegetables." "Chun Hau, I seem to detect a
note of admiration in your voice. You love and
admire your grandfather tremendously, don't you
?" "Oh yes, i do. Despite his sternness, he
was the most loving and caring person I've ever
known. I only wish I had spent more time with
him. Well, I'll never forget him. After all, he
has left me this orchard to remember him by." |
