王谨宇《人在故乡》

The scorching heat of August burned fiercely, making the ground feel like a blistering steamer that seared people's cheeks. The sun shone intensely, scattering tiny sparks of light, and everyone felt their energy draining away, sweating heavily and feeling light-headed throughout the day.

In such weather, at the break of dawn, I embarked on my journey back to my hometown.

The car zoomed down the highway, and the scenery outside the window was a lush green tapestry. Although it was early autumn, the southern island remained verdant and full of life. Through the dense, towering leaves, glimpses of fertile fields ready for cultivation, flocks of birds circling above, and scattered farmers diligently working could be seen. My heart started to race uncontrollably as if everything before me was my dreamlike hometown.

Counting on my fingers, several years had passed since I left my native soil. Every time I returned, it was either after a long detour or without a set return date. The trips were fleeting, like a dream. My city is near my hometown, and I could return anytime. I could even make several round trips in a week. It's just that I didn't like it that way.

By the time the car reached Lingcheng, it was already near noon.

I hurried home.

When I first saw my mother, she was still working with her arms swinging. Her temples glistened with sweat, and her slightly trembling hands looked exhausted. She quickly walked over, took my backpack, and smiled faintly. Then she asked about my recent situation, repeatedly and tirelessly. My mother's gentle gaze examined me from head to toe, and I felt like I had returned to my childhood, happily immersed in her loving glow. In front of my mother, I was always a child who never grew up. When my mother bent down to tidy her clothes, I suddenly realised she had aged a lot. Her deformed face bore traces of life's hardships, and her movements were disorganized and slow. Over the years, my mother's health had been poor. With increasing age, she became even weaker. Although it was not a severe illness, it constantly troubled her daily life. I rested at home for a moment, and my grandmother, hearing that I had returned, ran to see me excitedly as if I were a wandering son returning to his hometown after many years. From my grandmother's loving gaze, I could see her concern for me. In my memory, no matter what, my grandmother loved me the most as the eldest grandson.

The sky was like a brocade at night, and the bright lights flickered. I walked along the shady country path. Suddenly, my mother asked me, "Do you still remember Yao Zhu?" I was startled and confused, nodding my head. "Alas, that girl is miserable, marrying a swindler..." My mother still lamented with a wry expression.

I immediately woke up from my reverie.

I haven't seen Yao Zhu for several years. Since I've been studying abroad, we've lost touch. Occasionally, I catch snippets of her daily life through mutual acquaintances. I often reminisce about our childhood days, walking to school together. Our daily route was the narrow, dusty road with billowing dust clouds and the vast, sprawling green fields. Those sights are now a distant memory.

Yao Zhu was born into a family of rural teachers and received a solid education from a young age. Among all the children in our group, she was the brightest. When she was four, her parents' busy schedules meant she lived with her grandmother until she was old enough to attend school. Her home was close to mine, and she often visited us. Sometimes, she came alone; other times, she went with a group of children, making our home the liveliest place.

Yao Zhu grew up delicate-skinned, with bright eyes, white teeth, rosy cheeks, and watery eyes. She was intelligent and sensible, endearing herself to both adults and children. Despite her family's humble background, she was a beacon of grace and poise.

One autumn, due to her family's financial struggles, she voluntarily dropped out of school to work and support herself. She wandered from place to place for years, enduring the hardships of life and its many challenges. Sadly, fate dealt her a cruel hand, and she ended up marrying a scoundrel.

My mother told me she didn't say a word on Yao Zhu's wedding day, and tears streamed down her face...