In China's rural areas in the 20th century, land was not only the livelihood of farmers, but also the root of their generation. Li Ming and Wang Fang, an elderly couple, are the watchmen of this land. Their days are simple and fulfilling, the sun rises and the sun sets, and the years have carved deep marks on their foreheads, but they also bear witness to their deep affection for this land.
"Wife, you see how well the wheat grows this year, and our grandchildren can eat new noodles again. Li Ming looked at the golden wheat field, his eyes full of expectation.
Wang Fang responded with a smile: "Yes, our children have grown up, and we should also enjoy Qingfu." ”
However, with the wave of social change, a government expropriation order brought all this to an abrupt end. The news of the confiscation of the fields was like a bolt from the blue, shattering the peace of the home.
"What can we do about this, what will we live on in the future?" Wang Fang's voice trembled.
Li Ming clasped his wife's hand and comforted: "There will always be a way, we can't panic." ”
After losing their land, Li Ming and Wang Fang's lives were in trouble. The source of income is cut off, and their anxiety and helplessness are silently amplified by the lights of each night. Their son and daughter-in-law, Li Qiang's parents, although they tried their best to help and comfort, the loss and confusion in the old man's heart were difficult to fill.
"Grandpa, grandma, don't worry, we'll take care of you. Li Qiang said at a family gathering.
Wang Fang gently stroked her grandson's head, and a trace of tears flashed in her eyes: "Good boy, if you can think like this, grandma will be relieved." ”
However, fate does not seem to intend to spare the home. Shortly after the confiscation of the fields, Li Ming and Wang Fang fell ill one after another due to excessive anxiety. Their health deteriorated, and despite the best efforts of their families to help and comfort them, the vitality of the two elderly people was still passing little by little.
In the course of a year, Li Ming and Wang Fang passed away one after another, leaving behind deep regret and worries about the future of the family. Grandson Li Qiang and granddaughter Li Li felt a huge emotional impact after the death of their grandparents, they lost their dear elders, and at the same time they were full of uncertainty about the future of the family.
Since the land was expropriated by the government, Li Ming and Wang Fang's lives have lost their direction like uprooted crops. They tried to adapt to their new way of life, but every step of the way seemed extremely difficult. Li Ming often sat on the stone bench in front of the door, looking at the once golden wheat fields in the distance, which were now barren.
"Wife, should we find something else to do?" Li Ming's voice carried a hint of confusion.
Wang Fang sighed and patted his wife's hand gently: "What else can we do at our age?"
Their conversation was overheard by their son Li Yong and daughter-in-law Xiaomei. Li Yong, an honest farmer who empathizes with her parents' concerns, while Xiaomei, a shrewd and capable woman, has a different perspective on the matter.
"Dad, Mom, what age is it now, we can't always guard that one acre and three points of land. Xiaomei said while cleaning up the housework.
Li Yong frowned: "You don't understand, that piece of land has a different meaning to my parents." ”
Xiaomei disagreed: "Meaning? Can it be eaten? We have to look forward, we can't always be immersed in the past." ”
Such conversations were played out at dinner tables, in the fields, and at every family gathering, and the conflicts between family members began to emerge. Li Ming and Wang Fang felt more isolated than ever, and their expectations for their grandchildren became more urgent.
"Qiangzi, Lili, you have to study hard and have a good future. Wang Fang took her grandchildren's hand, her eyes full of expectation.
Li Qiang and Li Li nodded sensibly, although they were still young, they could also feel the atmosphere at home becoming tense.
As time passed, Li Ming and Wang Fang's health began to deteriorate dramatically. Their son and daughter-in-law did their best to help, but intergenerational conflicts and uncertainty about the future made the atmosphere heavy for the whole family.
"Grandpa, grandma, what's wrong with you?" Li Li looked at her grandparents who were getting thinner, her eyes full of worry.
Li Ming barely squeezed out a smile: "It's okay, Lili, we're just a little tired." ”
Wang Fang silently wiped her tears on the side, her heart full of worries about the future and reluctance to give up on the past.
Life for Li Ming and Wang Fang became increasingly difficult, as they tried to adjust to life after losing their land, but every step was full of challenges. Li Ming began to try to find odd jobs in a nearby factory, while Wang Fang did some sewing work at home to supplement the family. Their son, Li Yong, and daughter-in-law, Xiaomei, despite their busy schedules, try their best to come back on weekends to help with family affairs.
"Grandpa, grandma, we're back!" Li Qiang and Li Li exclaimed excitedly as soon as they entered the house.
Wang Fang greeted her with a smile and hugged Li Li: "Good granddaughter, how are you doing at school?"
"Grandma, we are all very good, and the teacher praised me. Li Li said proudly.
Li Ming patted Li Qiang on the shoulder: "Qiangzi, you and Lili must study hard so that we can have a better way out in the future." ”
Li Yong and Xiaomei glanced at each other, they knew that their parents had high hopes for their grandchildren, but the pressure of reality forced them to think about more problems.
"Dad, Mom, we also want to spend more time with you, but now we are really busy with work. Xiaomei said while helping with the cooking.
Li Yong nodded: "Yes, now we don't have to make more money than before, in order to ensure the life of our family." ”
At dinner, the atmosphere at the dinner table was a little heavy. Li Ming and Wang Fang still can't let go of the loss of their land, while Li Yong and Xiaomei believe that they should think more about the future.
"We can't always live in the past," Xiaomei said, "and now that society is developing so fast, we have to keep up with the pace of the times." ”
Li Yong tried to ease the atmosphere: "Mom, what Xiaomei said also makes sense, but we can't forget the fundamentals. ”
Wang Fang sighed: "I know what you said is right, but we just can't let go of that land in our hearts." ”
As the night deepened, the lights in the house gradually went out, but everyone had their own worries and thoughts in their hearts. Li Ming and Wang Fang were lying on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
"Wife, what do you think our future will look like?" Li Ming's voice was particularly heavy in the night.
Wang Fang held his wife's hand tightly: "No matter what, we have to persevere." For the sake of the children, for the sake of this family. ”
As time passed, Li Ming and Wang Fang's health began to deteriorate dramatically. Their son and daughter-in-law did their best to help, but intergenerational tensions and uncertainty about the future made the atmosphere tense for the whole family. Although Li Qiang and Li Li are still young, they can also feel the atmosphere at home becoming tense, and they begin to work hard to perform better in their studies, hoping to bring some comfort to their family.
"Grandpa, grandma, we will study hard and let you live a good life in the future. Li Qiang said seriously.
With tears in her eyes, Wang Fang stroked her grandson's head: "Good boy, your grandmother knows." ”
In this family, everyone is trying to adapt to the changes in their own way, and although the future is unknown, they believe that as long as the family is united, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.
With the death of Li Ming and Wang Fang one after another, the whole family fell into deep grief. Every corner of the home is filled with their memories, and every object seems to tell a story of the past. Li Yong and Xiaomei try their best to maintain the daily life of the family, but the pain of losing their parents is always indescribable.
"Mom, I miss you so much. Xiaomei was in the kitchen, crying silently while cooking, her voice was full of longing for her mother-in-law.
Li Yong hugged her tightly and tried to give her strength: "Mom is in the spirit of heaven, I must hope that we can be strong." ”
Li Qiang and Li Li are also experiencing their own growth. They began to cherish the time spent with their families more, studied harder, and hoped to meet the expectations of their grandparents. They know that this is the best memorial to grandparents.
"Grandpa, grandma, we will definitely live up to your expectations. Li Qiang swore silently in front of the portrait of his grandparents.
Li Li was also on the side, with tears in her eyes: "We will take good care of our parents so that they don't have to work so hard." ”
Family members find a new direction in their lives in the midst of their grief. They began to pay more attention to family reunions and cherish their feelings for each other even more. They understand that no matter how times change, the warmth and support of family will never change.
"Wife, you see, the children have grown up. Li Ming said to Wang Fang in his dream.
Wang Fang smiled and nodded: "Yes, our children are very sensible, we can rest assured." ”
At the end, family members sat around the dining table, reminiscing about Li Ming and Wang Fang. They had smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes. They know that despite the loss of their beloved elders, the love of the family will live on forever.
"Grandpa, Grandma, we will always remember you. Although Li Li's voice was choked, it was full of determination.
Li Qiang also nodded: "We will remember your teachings, live well, and make this family happier." ”
The hearts of family members are filled with hope for the future and nostalgia for the past. They believe that as long as they have love in their hearts, they can face any difficulties bravely.