Fate*

This May Day holiday I came back to the small village which was my dad’s hometown. My grandpa was a truck driver all his life; he has been living here with grandma since retirement. I think they enjoy their life very much although they often argue about trivial matters. He has a garden behind his house to plant flowers. They are accustomed to each other’s company. I think getting old with someone you care about is a happy thing.

I went to plant peanuts with grandpa and saw the two trees on the top of the mountain that my dad planted many years ago. They are very tall now. Time goes so fast; it has been two years since he left us.

Every time I returned from college he liked going for a walk with me around the village. Mom told me quietly; your dad is funny, he just wants all the villagers to know that his dear daughter is back. I was touched by his cute behaviour, and I know he was proud of me even though I know I was not a perfect daughter. I always tried my best to be one though.

My dad was a free man who did not like restrictions. He quit the driving job he had inherited from grandpa and started his own business. He experienced a lot of success and failures, living a rise and fall life. But I know he never regretted his choices. When he was little, he liked watching starry skies and imagining everything. I walked onto a field and something he told me about occurred to me. One night the moon was bright, he was thrilled and went to run and yell on the field, taking his clothes of until he was naked. He felt awesome. It made me laugh. I once asked him; why do people feel that they have known each other for a long time and can understand each other very well even though they have only just met. He told me they are like the apples on a tree that were separated when picked, and that they can't help being attracted to each other when they meet because they have something in common. I like this romantic explanation; like I’m meant to be his daughter.

It’s interesting that people become like something just because it has something to do with someone. Coming back to this small village, walking on the path, watching the trees....all of these things make me feel familiar and warm.

I don’t like to go to the graveyard. That place is too cold. I prefer he lives on in my heart. My dad taught me to cherish everyone I meet and everything that happens to me. I remember everything he said and the love he gave me. These memories will give me confidence and warmth throughout my life.

This is such a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.