I wish there was someone who allowed me to live without pretense, to laugh and cry sincerely, and to show the most genuine face to the world. Yes, time flies like an arrow, and days pass like shuttles! In the past, did I ever leave a trace as fine as a spider's thread? How should I grasp the present? And how should I walk the road ahead? I fell into deep thought, as if the past had returned. The yesterday, today, and tomorrow all seemed to coalesce in an instant of reflection. Although I roughly estimated my scores correctly, I still didn't get into the industrial college I had longed for. With an 8-point gap, I was admitted to my second-choice agricultural university: I was troubled, aware of societal influences and the maturity of interpersonal relationships. Even though others might see my admission to a bachelor's program as good fortune, I wasn’t satisfied—neither with failing nor succeeding.
A water-stained stone channel near the edge of a small village stretched continuously into the depths of the mountains. Everyone has a standard within their heart, a "monster-detecting mirror" that sees through people clearly, like X-rays. It’s this peaceful and bright sky that keeps me away from negativity, restrains impulsiveness, and helps me recognize my own shortcomings.
As a child, I especially looked forward to the New Year because not only was there delicious food, but also new clothes—a simple yet pure anticipation of the holiday. Over time, sweet raindrops nestled in my hair would awaken joyfully in another city with the sprinkling of sunlight, then shyly retreat into the enchanting night skies of another place.
The wonderful scenes I longed for in my heart finally appeared. Don’t admire the hazy night lights. My colleague and I loved spending our time at the blacksmith's shop because the blacksmith was Hakka, as were my colleague and I. Let us pursue the spring of our hearts then. People skilled at adapting to various situations are often considered adept. They say the most painful thing in life is losing a child in middle age; Auntie’s second daughter passed away in her middle years, yet Auntie persevered.
In my memory, the most profound applause I received was during a reading class when I was seventeen. Among a group of friends, I met my current boyfriend. Everything happened so naturally—he knew her, she knew him, and they simply came together. It had nothing to do with family or beauty, just a simple and happy relationship, much like the love between Xiaomo’s parents for Xiaomo—good without reason.
Just like that, the sweet rain resting on my hair will slowly open its eyes with joy in another city under the sunlight, then timidly hide again into the charming night sky of another city. We must keep our promises.
Afterward, we sought medical help everywhere, but it was all in vain. Gradually, my father accepted reality amidst his pain and the passage of time. In July, we returned home for “recuperation.” Every summer, the marshland became a paradise for frogs, carp, and dragonflies. Growing older each year means we can't fight against the flow of time. Nowadays, with improved living conditions, people eat fish and meat daily and buy new clothes whenever they want.
My foot barely touched the water when a cool sensation spread upward, yet my heart felt warm. Carefully bending down, I gazed at the azure lake water, scooped up some clear water, and was surprised—it was originally colorless! Throwing it aside, the water sparkled and merged with the ripples moving forward in the lake. Unknowingly, clouds drifted into the water, playing mischievously. I wanted to catch them, but as I approached, they escaped back into the sky.