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My name is Li Jin, a girl who is about to graduate from high school. At home, there are my father, my mother and me, and a younger brother, who is only 8 years old this year and is named Xiaotao. In this family, there were only two people left, my mother and me, until the Spring Festival last year, when my father suddenly came home with Xiaotao and left us for 9 years. Not only did he bring back a child, but he also brought back 1.3 million in cash, which was tantamount to a windfall for us.
I recall that winter morning, when my mother was busy in the kitchen, preparing our breakfast. The atmosphere in the house was always a little less warm, and since Dad left that winter night, Mom didn't say much, and her smile became less and less. That day, there were snowflakes floating outside the window, and a thin layer of frost fell on my mother's face.
"Jinjin, come and help Mom prepare the table. Mom's voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Okay Mom. I put down the book in my hand and got up and walked to the restaurant.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and at first I thought it was a neighbor. But the moment I opened the door and saw it, my heart almost jumped out. Standing outside the door was his long-lost father, and next to him was a blonde boy with a large travel bag in his hand.
"Daddy?" I could barely believe my eyes.
"Jinjin, I'm back. Dad's voice was choked, and he looked much older than he remembered, with a head full of gray hair.
Mom heard the voice and came out of the kitchen, and when she saw Dad, she froze there, unable to say a word.
Dad stepped forward, smiled awkwardly, and then looked at Mom, "Xiaohua, I'm back." This is Xiao Tao, me and..." His voice faded down.
Mom's face changed, and complicated emotions flashed in her eyes, "Come in and talk about it." Her voice was cold.
We all entered the house, and the cold wind outside made the warmth inside the house even more precious. I helped my dad and Xiao Tao take off their heavy coats, Xiao Tao looked a little shy, and grabbed his father's hand tightly.
"Xiao Tao, this is your sister, Li Jin. Dad introduced Xiao Tao softly.
Xiao Tao glanced up at me and whispered, "Hello sister." "It's a small sound, but it's unusually crisp.
"Mom, shall we sit down and talk first?" Dad tried to break the awkward atmosphere.
Mom nodded, and we sat around on the sofa in the living room, and the atmosphere was unusually heavy. Dad began to tell about his experience over the years, and it turned out that he suddenly left home because he was diagnosed with cancer and didn't want to drag us down. He traveled from place to place to seek medical treatment, and later met Xiao Tao's mother, a foreign lady raising her children alone, in a small town. The two supported each other and lived together for several years, until the lady died of illness last year, and entrusted Xiaotao to his father's care before she died.
Hearing this, there were tears in my mother's eyes, but she endured it and didn't cry.
As for the 1.3 million, my father earned it through business over the years, and he originally planned to use this money to give us a better life, but he didn't expect everything to change.
"Xiaohua, I know I was wrong, I don't have the courage to face you, I hope you can forgive me. Dad lowered his head, his voice full of apologies.
Mom didn't answer immediately, and the air in the room seemed to freeze. After a long while, she spoke, "How much time do you have left?"
Dad shook his head, "It's hard to say what the doctor said, but I want to make it up to you as much as I can for the rest of the time." ”
The atmosphere fell silent again, and I looked at this suddenly extra brother, and my heart was mixed. Xiao Tao looked up at us from time to time, with inquiry and uneasiness in his eyes.
The conversation that day did not go any further. Dad stayed at home, and we tried to re-understand and accept the new reality of the family. And Xiao Tao, this innocent and cute little life, has gradually integrated into our lives.
As time passed, the atmosphere in the home slowly changed slightly. Although the arrival of Dad and Xiaotao brought a lot of embarrassment and discomfort at first, gradually we began to try to understand and adapt to this new family structure. Everyone is trying to adjust their roles and emotions, even though it's not easy.
One evening, as the family sat around the dinner table, Dad suddenly proposed, "Let's go on a picnic in the countryside this weekend, as before." I think it's good for all of us. ”
Mom nodded slightly, but did not speak. I could tell she was still struggling to come to terms with her father's sudden return and the new family member he had brought back.
"You can bring kites and footballs, I remember Jinjin you liked to fly kites when you were a child. "Dad tried to lighten up the atmosphere.
"Okay, Xiao Tao, have you ever flown a kite?" I asked, turning to Xiao Tao and smiling.
Xiao Tao shook his head, a hint of anticipation flashed in his eyes, "I didn't let it go, but it looks fun." ”
"Then let my sister teach you this time. Dad said.
Xiao Tao nodded happily, and then looked at me a little shyly.
The sun was shining on the weekend, and our family of four drove to a park on the outskirts. There are already many families enjoying the weekend on the meadow. We found a relatively open place to spread out picnic cloths and set up food and drinks.
"Xiao Tao, come, let's fly a kite first. I took Xiao Tao's hand and picked up the kite that had been prepared in advance.
I taught him how to hold the spool, how to run in the wind and make the kite go. At first, Xiao Tao always couldn't run fast, or the timing was not good, and the kite just dragged on the ground a few times before it fell. But instead of being discouraged, he became more and more excited.
"Try again, this time you have to be fast, and then release the line when you feel the wind blowing. "I encouraged him.
This time, Xiao Tao ran faster, and the kite finally danced in the air. He smiled happily, and that innocent smile made me laugh involuntarily too.
"Look, you did it!" I gave him a thumbs up.
Xiao Tao ran back excitedly and took my hand, "Sister, thank you!"
Mom and Dad watched us, and Dad had a warm smile on his face that he hadn't seen in a long time. Mom didn't smile much, but I could feel her relaxed and somewhat accepting.
At lunchtime, we sat around and Dad brought out a few dishes he had made himself. "These are all things you used to like to eat, are you used to tasting them?" he looked at us a little nervously.
Mom took a bite and nodded, "The taste is still the same." ”
The atmosphere gradually became harmonious, and we talked about many trivial things and talked about Xiaotao's future. The mother suggested that Xiaotao should be enrolled in some interest classes so that he would have more opportunities to communicate with other children.
"We can consider letting him learn piano or drawing, depending on which one interests him. I proposed.
When Xiao Tao heard this, his eyes lit up, "I want to learn to paint!"
Dad nodded, "Okay, then let you join the painting class." ”
In the afternoon, we walked in the park, watching the laughter of other families, and I felt that we were slowly regaining the long-lost family warmth. While there are still many issues to be addressed and many scars to heal, at least we have begun the process.
On the way home, my father suddenly said, "Xiaohua, I'm sorry for making you suffer all these years." ”
Mom didn't answer immediately, and after a while, she said softly, "It's all over, and we're still a family." ”
There was a sudden silence in the car, but there was a new beginning hidden in this quiet. I looked out the window at the rapidly receding scenery, and I felt a sense of stability that I hadn't felt in a long time. Xiao Tao fell asleep in the back seat, quiet and peaceful, just like his current life, although complicated, but full of hope and possibility.
Life gradually got on track, and Xiao Tao also started his painting course. On weekends, he is always excited to show us his work. Although it is just a child's graffiti, for us, each work is like a window into his inner world.
One summer afternoon, I was helping my mother prepare dinner in the kitchen when my mother suddenly said, "Jinjin, what do you think we should do with the money that my father brought back?"
I stopped what I was doing, and I had thought about this question many times, "Mom, we can use this money to make some investments, or save it first, and Xiaotao will use it when he goes to college in the future." ”
Mom nodded, "That's what I thought too." Do you have any good investment advice?"
"I'll look it up for some information, and I can consult a professional. I replied.
At dinner, I brought the topic to the table to discuss with my dad. Dad was silent for a while, and then said, "It's good for you to decide, I plan to give the money to this family." ”
The atmosphere at the table was a bit heavy, and everyone was thinking about the possibilities for the future.
A few days later, I took my dad and mom to an investment consulting firm. After the explanation and advice of our professional consultants, we decided to use a part of the funds for the purchase of the property as a guarantee for the future. The other part is used for fixed deposits to ensure sufficient liquidity.
That night, Xiao Tao and I were watching TV in the living room, and he suddenly asked me between commercials: "Sister, why did it take so long for Dad to come back?"
I was a little surprised, I didn't expect Xiao Tao to ask such a question. I tried to find an answer that was appropriate for his age: "Xiaotao, sometimes adults encounter some difficult problems that take time to solve. Dad came back because he solved his problems and he missed us so much. ”
Xiao Tao nodded as if he didn't understand, "I'm also glad that Dad is back." ”
I hugged him gently, "We're all happy. ”
Over time, Tao gradually integrated into the school and community. He excelled in his drawing class, and his teachers often praised him for his talent. At school, he also made a lot of friends. Seeing his gradually cheerful personality, our whole family was pleased.
One night, during a family gathering, Dad suddenly proposed to go on a trip together, "Let's go to the beach, it's been a long time since we've been out together." ”
Mom looked at us, smiled and nodded in agreement. Xiao Tao jumped up excitedly after hearing this, "I haven't been to the beach yet!"
Preparation for the trip is full of fun and anti-expectations. We chose a seaside city not too far away and planned to stay for a few days. On the day of departure, the car was filled with laughter and singing, and the atmosphere was more relaxed than ever.
After arriving at the beach, Xiao Tao saw the sea for the first time and excitedly took our hands and ran towards the waves. "Sister, the sea is really big!" he screamed excitedly.
We played frisbee and built sandcastles on the beach, and in the evening we had dinner together at a seaside restaurant and watched the sunset. This calm and blissful time puts everyone at ease.
On our last night at the beach, we sat on the beach as a family and listened to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Dad suddenly said, "I've been thinking about this moment for the past few years. Although I missed a lot, I hope that from now on, I can compensate each and every one of you. ”
Mom took Dad's hand and didn't speak, but her eyes were full of understanding and relief.
At that moment, I felt that no matter what the future path was, our family was finally back together.
When I got home, life was calm again. My dad and I would often sit in the living room and look back on the seaside days we spent together. He would tell me about his days away, and although there were still many things he didn't go into detail, I could sense that he was trying to make amends.
One night, I was helping my mother in the kitchen with her dishes, and she suddenly said, "Your dad has changed a lot, and he has become more considerate when he comes back." ”
I nodded in agreement, "yes, I feel it too." Xiao Tao's relationship with him is also getting better and better. ”
Mom smiled, "That kid sometimes asks me why my father is always there for him when he wasn't there before." ”
"Mom, how did you answer him?" I asked curiously.
"I told him that life is like four seasons, sometimes winter is long, but spring always comes. Mom said lightly, but the movements in her hands did not stop.
The conversation turned back to the family, and the mother mentioned her plans for the future. "What kind of school do you think we should choose for Xiao Tao? He is now more and more fond of drawing, and I wonder if I should give him more opportunities. ”
"Mom, I think we can consider some schools with a strong artistic atmosphere, maybe we can let his talents be better developed. I suggested.
"That's it, I'll start looking up the relevant information tomorrow. Mom said decisively.
One night, an old friend of my father's family, Uncle Liang, came to the house. He was a good friend of his father for many years and someone who helped him a lot during his difficult times.
During dinner, Uncle Liang looked at his father and said, "Lao Zhang, when you come back this time, you feel that your whole person has changed." ”
Dad smiled, "Yes, after experiencing some things, you will understand what is the most important thing." ”
Uncle Liang nodded, "It's a good thing for everyone that you can come back." Especially for your family. ”
After dinner, I accompanied Uncle Liang for a walk in the yard. He began to tell me about some of my father's past experiences that he had never told me. "Your dad is a good man, he has been through a lot of ups and downs, and it is his greatest show of courage to be able to come back. ”
I looked at Uncle Liang gratefully, "Thank you for helping him all the time." ”
He shook his head, "This is what I should do, after all, Lao Zhang is my good brother." ”
As time goes on, the atmosphere of the home becomes more and more welcoming. Mom and dad would go to the market together and plan the future of the family together. Xiao Tao's paintings are also becoming more and more in their own style, and he has even won awards at art exhibitions at his school.
One day, there was a family day at school, and both dad and mom were very active in participating. During the event, Xiao Tao led us on a tour of his artworks, and he proudly introduced us to the story behind each work.
At the end, Xiao Tao took my hand and whispered, "Sister, I'm so glad that my parents are here today." ”
I smiled and rubbed his head, "yes, we're all happy." ”
After the Family Day event, we were on our way home when Dad suddenly said, "I missed a lot before, but I hope that from now on, I can always be there for you." ”
Mom looked at Dad with a smile and said gently, "You've done a great job, we all know that." ”
The car was filled with warmth and harmony, and I felt a deep sense of satisfaction as I looked out the window at the slowly darkening sky. This time, we really started anew, and everyone cherished this home even more.
As time passed, the atmosphere at home became more and more harmonious. One day, Dad suggested that our family take a trip to the nearby mountains to enjoy the scenery of nature. Mom and Tao are very excited, and I'm looking forward to having a relaxing weekend.
While preparing my luggage, Xiao Tao pulled me to his room and excitedly showed me the painting tools he was going to bring. "Sister, I want to paint on the mountain, do you think there is any beautiful scenery there?"
I replied to him with a smile: "The scenery from the mountains is beautiful, you can paint mountains, trees, and flowing water." ”
Xiao Tao nodded, looking forward to it, "I still want to paint the sunrise, and my father said that the sunrise on the mountain is particularly beautiful." ”
After packing our bags, our family of four drove to the mountains. In the car, Mom and Dad talked about their travel experiences when they were younger.
"I remember when we first got married, we also went to the mountains, and at that time we were not afraid of anything, we just wanted to take risks. Dad recalled.
Mom smiled and answered, "yes, we were really crazy back then. Now that I think about it, I really miss those carefree days. ”
Arriving in the mountains, the view was indeed as beautiful as we had expected. We arranged to stay in a chalet at the foot of the mountain. Early the next morning, Dad woke us up to watch the sunrise together.
Standing on the top of the mountain, looking at the orange slowly rising in the east, Xiao Tao excitedly took out his drawing board and began to draw. Dad stood aside and looked at him quietly, with a proud smile on his face.
"You see, Xiao Tao is so talented, it is all inherited from his mother. "Dad turned to me and Mom and said.
Mom also smiled and replied, "It's not all me, his dad also liked graffiti when you were a child, remember?"
We had a few days in the mountains and had a very nice time. Xiao Tao painted a lot of paintings, and his father and mother also regained a lot of memories of their youth. Every night we would sit around the fire and listen to my dad tell stories about his past, experiences that he hadn't told us before.
Once, my father suddenly became serious, "Actually, a large part of the reason I left back then was because I was afraid of facing my own failures and uncertain futures. At that time, I felt like I couldn't do anything, and I felt inferior even as a husband and father. ”
Mom gently shook Dad's hand, "But you're back, that's the most important thing." No matter what happened in the past, we are all together now. ”
"Yes, I'm back. And I'm not going to go again. Dad looked at us with determination in his eyes, "I want to make up for the time I've lost over the years, especially by your side." ”
Back home, our lives returned to normal, but more fulfilling and happier than ever. Xiao Tao's paintings were spotted by a local gallery, and they invited him to participate in a youth art exhibition.
On the day of the exhibition, my whole family went. The gallery is full of works from different children, and Xiao Tao's paintings are particularly popular, and many people stop to admire them.
A professional-looking painter walked up to Xiao Tao, looked at his painting carefully, and said, "Little friend, your sense of color is very good, this painting expresses the freshness and hope of the morning." ”
Xiao Tao was very happy to hear this, and turned back to me and my parents and said, "Look, he said that my painting is good!"
At that moment, I saw tears in my father's eyes, he seemed to be feeling regret for missing the days when Xiaotao was growing up, but more about being relieved to be able to share this joy now.
Life, like this exhibition, is full of color and change. And this time, we can face every picture of life together, whether it is joy or sorrow, there are no more regrets.