It's been 20 years since I last saw my father. At that time, Xiaofang was only a little girl in junior high school, and her father was only in his early forties, so he was still young and promising. But who would have thought that twenty years would fly away in a blink of an eye, Xiaofang was already in his early thirties, and his father had also entered the age of sixties.
That night, Xiaofang had a strange dream. In the dream, my father was standing in a white snowfield, the cold wind was howling, but he was thinly dressed, his face was pale, and his eyes were blank. Xiaofang hurriedly ran over and wanted to hug her father, but when she stretched out her hand, her father suddenly disappeared. Xiao Fang woke up, cold all over, and her heart beat like a drum.
"Dad, where the hell are you?" Xiao Fang muttered to herself, tears streaming down her eyes involuntarily.
When Xiaofang pushed open the door, she was greeted by a strange room. The furnishings in the house are different, and even the favorite landscape painting of her childhood hanging on the wall is gone. "Could it be that Dad has a new home?" Xiao Fang was full of doubts in her heart.
At this moment, a familiar voice came from the kitchen: "Fangfang, is that you?"
Xiao Fang hurriedly walked into the kitchen when she heard the sound, and saw her father standing in front of the stove and busy. Seeing his daughter, the father's eyes suddenly showed a look of joy, and he hurriedly walked over and hugged her tightly.
"Dad, I'm back. Xiao Fang felt that her eyes were a little moist.
"My good daughter, you're back. The father's voice was a little choked, and he hugged his daughter tightly and refused to let go.
"Dad, what's wrong with you? You look like you've lost a lot of weight. Xiao Fang looked worriedly at her father's face, a familiar face full of vicissitudes and traces of exhaustion.
"It's okay, daughter, I'm fine. It's just that I've been a little busy at work lately, and my body may be a little uncomfortable. Father barely pulled out a smile, but Xiao Fang was still keenly aware of the sadness that flashed in his eyes.
"Then why didn't you tell me sooner? I should have come back to see you a long time ago. Xiao Fang reproached.
"No, no, I don't want you to worry. You're working so hard out there, and I don't want to trouble you. Father hurriedly explained.
"Dad, how can you say that? I'm your daughter, when have you ever caused me trouble? We're relatives, of course I have to care about your health. Xiao Fang's tone was full of concern.
"Okay, then let me take a good look at my precious daughter. The father pinched his daughter's cheek dotingly, and his eyes were full of love.
Xiao Fang carefully looked at the strange and familiar man in front of her, and her heart was full of mixed feelings. Twenty years have not only changed my father's appearance, but also his heart. She could feel her father's exhaustion and sorrow, but she also saw the hope in his eyes.
"Dad, are you too lonely to live here alone, do you want me to move back and live with you?" Xiao Fang asked with concern.
"No, no, daughter. I'm fine alone, you just work outside, don't worry about me. The father hurriedly waved his hand and refused.
"Trust me, I'm really fine. You just live out there, and I'll take care of myself. The father smiled and comforted his daughter.
Xiao Fang looked into her father's eyes and saw a hint of tenacity and determination. She knew she couldn't easily convince her father to change the situation, but she wouldn't give up.
"Okay, then I'll be here with you for a few days and help you with the housework. Xiao Fang said firmly.
"Well, thank you so much. The father nodded with relief, his eyes showing sincere gratitude.
Xiao Fang nodded slightly, her heart full of love and worry for her father. She is determined to take good care of this loved one, whom she has not seen for 20 years, and make him feel the warmth of home.
"Dad, I know you like to eat the braised pork I made the most, so I'll make this for you today. Xiaofang said excitedly.
"Oh, my good daughter, how do you remember it so clearly? It's been a long time since I've eaten the braised pork you made. My father said with a smile, his eyes full of gratitude.
Xiao Fang was skillfully busy in the kitchen, and from time to time she would ask her father what help he needed. The father sat on the sofa in the living room, quietly watching his daughter's busy figure, with a warm smile on the corner of his mouth.
"Daughter, you're getting prettier. My father exclaimed.
"Dad, you're getting more and more handsome. Xiao Fang smiled back.
The two chatted like this, as if they had gone back in time and returned to the warm family twenty years ago.
At dinnertime, Xiao Fang brought up the steaming braised pork, which was full of aroma. The father picked up the chopsticks and feasted on it with a satisfied expression.
"It was so delicious, just like my mom made. My father praised him heartily.
"Dad, don't slap me on the back. How can I have a mother who does well. Xiao Fang said with a smile.
"No, I mean it. The taste of this braised pork you made is exactly the same as what your mother made back then. Father said solemnly.
At the mention of her mother, Xiaofang's mood couldn't help but feel a little heavy. Twenty years ago, her mother tragically passed away, which was a huge blow to the family. At that time, Xiaofang had just entered adolescence, and the pain of losing her mother was still fresh in her memory. And the father became more and more reticent after that, and the relationship between the two became farther and farther apart.
"Dad, have you ever thought about getting married again?" Xiao Fang asked tentatively.
"But Dad, you have lived alone for so many years, don't you feel lonely?" Xiao Fang asked with concern.
"Alone? Of course. But I'd rather bear this loneliness alone than find someone else who can replace your mother. Father sighed, "I know you're worried about me, but I really don't have the courage to start over." "
"Dad, I understand your feelings. But you can't go on like this forever. You already look so lonely, I'm really worried about you. Xiao Fang reached out to hold her father's hand, her eyes full of concern.
"Daughter, I know you're thinking about me. But trust me, I'm really fine. I'm used to this way of life, and I find some solace in it. The father patted Xiaofang's hand gently, "However, I already feel very happy to have a daughter like you who cares about me." "
"Dad, I'll come to see you often. I don't want you to live alone. Xiao Fang said firmly.
"Well, thank you so much. Father nodded in satisfaction.
The two continued to eat their dinner quietly, occasionally conversing. Xiao Fang's heart was full of worry and guilt for her father. She knew that for the past 20 years, her father had been suffering the loss of a loved one alone, and she was unable to be there to give him the love and support he deserved.
"Dad, I'm really sorry I haven't taken good care of you for so many years. Xiao Fang lowered her head, and tears flowed involuntarily.
"No, daughter, it's not your fault. I chose this lifestyle myself. The father reached out and stroked his daughter's hair, "I just don't want you to be distracted and affect your life." "
"But I'm your daughter. I should always be there for you and accompany you through these difficult days. Xiao Fang looked up at her father, her eyes full of guilt.
"Daughter, don't blame yourself too much. I know you've always had my mind on you. Over the years, you have been working alone, and I am very proud of you. "Now that you can come back to see me, it is the best consolation." "
Xiao Fang nodded, and the guilt in her heart eased slightly. She knew that from now on, she must accompany her father well and make him feel the warmth of home.
Just then, the cell phone rang. Xiao Fang glanced at it, it was her boss calling.
"Hey, boss, what's wrong?" Xiao Fang picked up the phone.
"Fangfang, where are you now? I have an important project for you, can you come back immediately?" The boss's voice sounded a little anxious.
Xiao Fang hesitated for a moment and glanced at her father who was sitting opposite, "Boss, I'm sorry, I'm at home with my father now, and I may have to stay a few more days." "
"What? What's wrong with your father? Do you want me to send someone to see it?" The boss asked with concern.
"No, it's not a big deal, it's just that I haven't been back to see him for too long. I want to spend more time with him. Xiao Fang explained.
"Okay, then you can stay with your father. I'll leave this project to someone else. You can rest well at home and return to work when you return. "The owner said thoughtfully.
"Thank you owner, I will go back as soon as possible. Xiaofang said gratefully.
After hanging up the phone, Xiaofang turned her head and said to her father gently: "Dad, my boss just called and said that there is an important project to be handed over to me, but I told him that I am now at home with you, and I may have to stay a few more days." "
"What? You turned down your job to stay with me? Daughter, you shouldn't have done that. Father said in surprise.
"It's okay, Dad. I'm glad to have time to spend with you. I've been out working all these years and rarely come back to see you. I want to make up for these past shortcomings. Xiao Fang said with a smile.
"But your work is so important, how can I delay you?" Father frowned.
"Dad, you're more important to me. It's been a long time since I've been with you well, and I really want to spend more time with you. Xiao Fang held her father's hand and said seriously.
The father looked at his daughter's sincere eyes, and a wave of warmth welled up in his heart. He knows that for so many years, he has isolated work and life independently, and has never let his daughter participate in his own life. And now, Xiaofang took the initiative to put down her work and return home to accompany her, which made him feel extremely relieved and moved.
"Well, since you've said so, I'll gladly accept your company. Father nodded slightly, "However, you don't have to delay too long, you will have to go back to work when you are done with this time, you know?"
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll arrange it well. Xiao Fang smiled happily.
The two continued to enjoy this intimate dinner time. Xiaofang found that since she came back, her father's mental state has obviously improved a lot. His face was no longer so pale, and his eyes became clearer.
"Dad, have you been getting better lately?" Xiao Fang asked with concern.
"Yes, daughter. Since you came back, I've been so much more energetic. My father smiled and said, "Maybe it's because I feel very happy and relieved to have you by my side." "
"That's great! I'm so happy for you. Xiaofang said with relief, "Dad, it must be very hard for you to live here alone." I will definitely come back to see you more often in the future and accompany you. "
"Oops, you kind daughter. I really appreciate you. The father reached out and gently patted the back of Xiaofang's hand.
After the meal, Xiaofang took the initiative to help her father clean up the table and wash the dishes and chopsticks together. The father looked at his daughter's skillful movements, and couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Fangfang, you are becoming more and more virtuous." Your mother's spirit in heaven will be proud of you. "
"Dad, don't praise me. These are the things I should do. Xiao Fang smiled and said, "By the way, do you have any hobbies lately? "
"Hobby? Oh, by the way, I've been learning gardening lately. Father's eyes lit up, "Do you want to come with me to see my little garden?"
"Great, I love gardening! Let's go now. Xiaofang said happily.
When the two came to the backyard, they saw a small courtyard full of all kinds of flowers and plants. The father carefully introduced the names and characteristics of each plant to Xiao Fang, and Xiao Fang listened attentively, occasionally reaching out and gently stroking the leaves.
"Dad, these flowers you planted are so beautiful. Xiao Fang was sincerely amazed.
"That's because I'm there for me because you're there for me, so I can take good care of them. Father said gently.
The two walked and chatted in the small garden, and before they knew it, they chatted until it was getting late.
"Ah, it's so late, let's go back. Xiao Fang looked at her watch and said a little embarrassed.
"Yes, daughter. Let's go back together. Father said with a smile.
Back in the house, Fang began to help her father prepare dinner. This time she made a light fish soup with fresh vegetables. The father ate with relish and praised Xiaofang's craftsmanship again and again.
"Fangfang, this fish soup you made is so delicious! I haven't tasted such a delicious soup for a long time. Father said from the bottom of his heart.
"Thank you so much for the compliment, Dad. I'm also happy to make you a meal you like. Xiaofang said with relief.
After the meal, the two sat down together on the sofa in the living room. Xiao Fang took the initiative to pour her father a cup of hot tea and handed it to him.
"Dad, you can rest early after drinking this cup of tea. I know you've been busy at work lately and must be tired. Xiao Fang said with concern.
"Yes, daughter. Thank you for your concern. Father smiled and took the teacup and took a sip.
The two sat quietly on the sofa and enjoyed this rare intimate moment. Xiao Fang peeked at her father's expression from time to time, and found that his eyes became softer and softer, and the whole person became more and more relaxed.
"Dad, I'm glad to be back with you. I've been out there all these years and rarely take good care of you. But from today onwards, I will definitely come back to see you often. Xiao Fang held her father's hand and said sincerely.
"Daughter, you can come back to see me, this is my greatest happiness. "Over the years, I've been living alone, and occasionally I feel lonely. But now that I have you by my side, I feel very relieved and happy. "
"Dad, I will always be by your side. Xiao Fang said firmly.
The father and daughter looked at each other and smiled, their hearts full of warmth and happiness.
In the morning, Xiaofang woke up and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She made her father a nutritious omelette toast and cut some fresh fruit.
"Dad, wake up! Come and have breakfast. Xiao Fang walked into the living room with a dinner plate and gently woke up her father who was sleeping on the sofa.
"Uh-huh? Oh, Fangfang, you're so early. The father opened his eyes in a daze, and couldn't help but smile when he saw his daughter's concerned expression.
"Hurry up, I've made you a great breakfast. You can't sleep any longer. Xiao Fang urged.
"Alright, alright, I'll get up. Father sat up and stretched wide.
The two enjoyed breakfast together at the table. The father praised his daughter's craftsmanship while eating, and Xiaofang also watched her father eat with relish.
"Fangfang, what you've made is so delicious. I've never had such a big breakfast. Father said with satisfaction.
"Thank you so much for the compliment, Dad. I see you've been feeling better lately, and it must be because my food is delicious. Xiao Fang said with a smile.
"No, no, it's not just because the food is delicious. My father shook his head and said, "The main thing is that I feel very relieved and happy to have you by my side." "
"Dad, I'm glad to be by your side too. I've been busy outside all these years, and I haven't been with you well. Xiao Fang reached out and held her father's hand, "I will definitely come back to see you more in the future." "
"Daughter, you can come back to see me, this is my greatest happiness. The father said gently, "I really appreciate that you are so busy and can still find time to spend with me." "
"Dad, it's not a big deal. You are my dearest person, and of course I will take good care of you. Xiao Fang said sincerely.
"Thank you, daughter. You're such a good boy. The father patted the back of Xiaofang's hand dotingly.
After breakfast, the two cleaned up the table together. Xiao Fang suggested that we should go for a walk together and enjoy the fine sunny weather.
"Dad, let's go for a walk in the park and get some exercise. Xiaofang said excitedly.
"Well, it's been a long time since I've walked outside. My father readily agreed.
The two walked out of the house and slowly walked along the familiar street towards the park. Xiao Fang noticed that her father's pace was much brisker, and his face was a little more rosy.
"Dad, you seem to be in much better spirits. Xiao Fang said with concern.
"Yes, daughter. Since you came back, my whole being has been rejuvenated. My father smiled and said, "I really appreciate you for being there for me." "
"Dad, I'm glad to be with you too. I've been busy outside all these years, and I haven't really cherished the time I spent with you. Xiao Fang said apologetically.
"No, Fangfang, it's not your fault. Over the years, I have been living alone, and I have never asked you to spend more time with me. The father comforted, "I am really very happy and happy to have you by my side now." "
"Dad, I'll keep you company. I will definitely come back to see you often in the future. Xiao Fang held her father's hand and said solemnly.
"Well, thank you so much. Father nodded in satisfaction.
The two strolled through the park and enjoyed this rare intimate moment. From time to time, Xiaofang would point to some flowers and plants and say something to her father, who listened attentively and occasionally recalled some past events.
"Fangfang, do you remember when we used to come here to play when we were kids? Back then, you were a little kid, always pestering me to push you on the swing. Father said with a smile.
"Of course I remember, Dad! That's my best childhood memory. Xiao Fang couldn't help laughing, "You push very high every time, I'm a little scared." "
"Haha, really? I remember you were so excited that you pushed me higher. Father teased.
"Don't make fun of me! I'm a little girl, so I'm afraid. Xiao Fang pursed her lips and pretended to be angry.
The two of them chatted word by word, and before they knew it, they had walked a long way in the park. Xiaofang noticed that her father's footsteps were gradually slowing down, so she took the initiative to support him.
"Dad, why don't we find a place to sit down and rest? You see you're a little tired. Xiao Fang said with concern.
"Alright, alright, let's sit on the bench over there for a while. Father nodded.
The two sat down on the bench, and Xiao Fang took out a bottle of ice water from her bag and handed it to her father.
"Dad, I've been with you for the past few days, how do you feel? Xiao Fang asked worriedly.
"It's okay, daughter, I feel fine. Father took a sip of water and looked up at the blue sky, "I feel a lot more relaxed to be with you." "
"That would be great. I'm really worried that you'll be alone at home. Xiao Fang held her father's hand tightly.
"Don't worry, Fangfang. With a dutiful daughter like you by my side, how can I be alone?" My father said dotingly, "My biggest wish now is to be with you more and spend more time with you." "
"Dad, so do I. I'll try to spend as much time as I can with you. Xiao Fang said firmly.