Today is another early morning after a night rain, I, Li Hua, stood in front of the window, looking out the window at the sky gradually dissipating the rain and fog. At this age, the years have left a lot of marks on my face. Holding a cup of hot tea in the palm of his hand, feeling its warmth from the outside in, what he recalls in his mind is the indifference and alienation between him and his daughter Li Mei recently.
"Mom, I'm a junior in college, and I can handle a lot of things by myself, so you don't have to worry." On the phone that day, Li Mei's voice was still firm and clear, but her dependence on me gradually decreased between the words. I know that this is a sign of a child's growth, but I can't help but have some worries in my heart.
Living in this small city, my days have always been calm and orderly. The first rays of sunlight in the morning illuminate the classroom, and I stand on the podium to welcome the new day with the children. The courseware was prepared impeccably, and the assignments were corrected diligently. Colleagues say that my Li Hua's life is just like the history she taught, which is well-organized and does not have too many waves.
Last night, while preparing for the next day's class, I decided to send a message to Li Mei again: "Meimei, the weather is changeable, remember to eat on time and wear more clothes." The text message was sent, but there was no reply. This is not the first time this has happened, and I have gradually become accustomed to waiting and uncertainty.
"Damn, it's foggy again." The neighbor's voice broke my musings. I retracted my mind and smiled at him, "Old Gao, where are you going?" "Hey, go to the vegetable market." Hasn't your daughter come back yet? By the way, I'll bring you some fresh ones back. "Lao Gao is always so enthusiastic.
I was secretly grateful, but I also sighed slightly. The neighbors all know that my daughter and I only have each other. Ever since my husband died, we have been dependent on each other. My daughter is smart and has excellent academic performance, and I have been secretly hoping for a better future for her, which is also the motivation for me to keep working now. But will the future really be what I expected?
Worried, he went into the kitchen and boiled a bowl of egg noodles. Since Li Mei went to study at a university in other places, I was the only one left at the dining table in this family. Each time I cook it, it is for two people, and I can't finish it, so I can't pour it. I smiled self-deprecatingly and put the remaining bowl in the crisper box, thinking that Li Mei might be able to take a bite of her mother's craft when she returned.
As night falls, the hustle and bustle of the city gradually calms down. I sat on a wicker chair on the balcony, the pages of the book in my hand gently turning in the breeze. My daughter's message is like the stars in the summer night sky, bright but unreachable. Closing my eyes, I prayed that this long night would bring me a glimmer of peace and comfort when I missed my daughter.
The moon peeked out of the clouds, and I turned on the lights and prepared to enter the house. All of this seems to tell me that life will go on, no matter how many unknowns and challenges await me and my daughter in the future.
One afternoon near the end of the summer vacation, I was sorting out my chores in the living room, unconsciously looking forward to my daughter's phone call. The sun outside the window shines through the lazy temperature, and the air in this season always has a bit of a sweet smell. After all, Li Mei is my precious daughter, and although she has been busy with her studies and club activities, her mother's heart always hopes that she will come back during the festive holidays.
At this time, the phone rang suddenly, and when I picked up the phone and saw the word "Li Mei", my heart beat involuntarily. I quickly answered the phone: "Meimei, is that you?" ”
"Well, Mom, I'...... I'll be home next week. Li Mei's voice was a little uncertain, but there was a hint of excitement.
My heart was ecstatic, but then I was a little scared: "Come back? Isn't that what you've been saying hectic is busy? Suddenly came back, did something happen? I asked worriedly.
"It's okay, Mom." Li Mei seemed a little embarrassed, but her tone tried to stay relaxed, "I...... I came back with a surprise. ”
"Surprise?" I repeated the word in confusion, with mixed feelings in my mind, not knowing what this "surprise" of hers would be.
But I was silent for a while, and then replied gently, "Well, anyway, Mom is looking forward to seeing you." ”
After hanging up the phone, my heart was still immersed in excitement and confusion, and before I knew it, I walked to the door of Li Mei's room. I pushed the door open, presumably to prepare, after all, my daughter hadn't been home for a long time. The interior of the room was still the same as when she left home, and out of habit, I started cleaning it up and trying to make everything perfect for her and what she called "surprise".
A few days later, one afternoon, the temperature outside was a little hot, and I waited anxiously at the door, finally welcoming Li Mei's arrival. But when I saw her holding a pink baby in her hands, my heart sank and my body felt like it had lost its gravity.
"Mom...... This is Xiaobao. Li Mei's voice almost trembled.
I was stunned, and after a few seconds, I realized and asked in a trembling voice, "What ......is this?" What's going on? ”
Li Mei bit her lip, her eyes flushed: "Mom, I'm ...... I'm a mom now. ”
My world stood still for a moment at this moment, and I looked at her helpless and desperate eyes, looking at the little life in the swaddling clothes, and the shock in my heart gradually transformed into a complex emotion. I took a deep breath and tried to keep myself calm: "Come in, my child. ”
The sun was dazzling that day, but there was an unknown silence wafting through the room. The arrival of Xiaobao undoubtedly indicates that my life, our life, is about to set off huge waves.
Since Li Mei and Xiaobao returned to this home, the originally peaceful atmosphere has become tense. I never imagined that the conversation between me and my daughter would become so difficult. On that day, the moment when Li Mei stepped into the house with Xiaobao in her arms became a turning point in our lives.
My first reaction to Xiaobao's appearance was shock. Facing her, my feelings were so complicated that I couldn't describe them in words: "Meimei, why didn't you talk to your mother in advance?" ”
Li Mei lowered her head and said in a low voice: "Mom, I'm ...... I don't know how to speak. ”
As if anticipating my reaction, she explained incoherently, "Xiaobao's father...... He ......"
"What's wrong with him?" When I asked this, I had mixed feelings.
"He can't be with us because of something." Li Mei finally raised her head with tears in her eyes. "I know it's sudden, but I'm not going to let that affect my studies. I'm still going to graduate, Mom. ”
Looking at her determined eyes, my heart fluttered with mixed emotions. Pity, disappointment, anger, all kinds of emotions churned in my heart. However, when I saw Xiaobao's innocent sleeping face, my heart softened, and I knew that he was innocent.
In the days that followed, all kinds of stress and emotional friction continued to erupt. Li Mei tries to take care of Xiaobao every day, but she can't avoid the eyes of society and the discussion of relatives. Families who are not well-off also have to bear the prejudice of the outside world.
"How can you be so irresponsible!" One day I finally couldn't help but ask.
"Mom, I'm really sorry." The crying in Li Mei's voice made me feel distressed. "But I can't give up Xiaobao, I'm willing to take everything for him."
We experienced communication difficulties and even arguments that we had never experienced before. But time is sometimes the best healing medicine. After listening to Xiaobao's crying and Li Mei's soothing singing for several nights, my heart gradually softened. Watching Xiaobao grow up day by day, my heart began to accept the existence of this baby.
In the early morning after a long night, I looked at myself in the mirror, gradually calming down, trying to understand the changing role of my mother. I am still Li Mei's mother, but I also have a new identity - Xiaobao's grandmother.
Feeling this new family relationship, I began to adjust my mentality and accept all this. Although life has become more difficult and the future is unknown, I am willing to face it with my daughter and share this sudden responsibility.
As the days passed, gradually, those initial panics calmed down in my heart. Since Li Mei came home to bring Xiaobao, our relationship has undergone an unprecedented test. From anger and rejection at the beginning, to understanding and acceptance now, I have found a new balance.
"Meimei, you see how well Xiaobao sleeps." One morning, I whispered to Li Mei that she had finally had a chance to rest after being tired all night.
"Mom, thank you." A hint of gratitude flashed in Li Mei's eyes, "You have helped me a lot during this time. ”
I shook my head: "You are my daughter, Xiaobao is also my grandson, this is what should be done." ”
With the support and encouragement of my friends and colleagues, I learned to understand and accept our imperfections. They gave me the courage and confidence to see that not every family needs to run according to the established model. Every family has its own story, and as long as there is love, nothing cannot be overcome.
"Mom, what should I do?" Li Mei sometimes asks me that.
"You've done a great job, Meimei, you're a strong mom." I encouraged her, "For the rest, let's take it one step at a time." ”
Looking at Xiaobao's immature smiling face and listening to his childish laughter, my heart gradually became full of warmth. I started to rearrange the house to make it more suitable for a small child. Let's buy toys for Xiaobao together and think about his future together. Although the road will not be smooth sailing, with love, there is hope.
We prepared food for Xiaobao in the kitchen together and played with him in the living room. I was impressed by Li Mei's sense of responsibility, and I was amazed by her growth. In every sunset and moonrise, I deeply realized that home needs to be guarded and managed by everyone.
I can't predict what kind of challenges we will face in the future, but I know that no matter what difficulties Li Mei encounters, I will be there for her. I made up my mind that I would support her in completing her studies no matter what, and help her raise a healthy and happy little treasure.
Now, when the three of us sit together, I feel more fulfilled and happy than ever. Our lives are ordinary, but they are enriched by mutual support and understanding. I believe that as long as we persist in hope and love, the strength to overcome difficulties will continue to flow.