Memories of the past

The sky began to turn red on the western horizon, the sun covered in clouds seemed reluctant to leave the horizon. That afternoon Grandma sat in her chair overlooking the courtyard where the children were playing. Gazing meaningfully, smiling lips seeing the children playing happily.

It was never implied in Grandma's mind that in her old age she would be surrounded by children who are now in front of her. Xiao Hai's house finances are not very good even though with Grandma teaching, the income earned can't support all the children living in Xiao Hai's house. But the grandmother's heart was very happy. Blessings always come, sometimes the neighbours like to donate, either in the form of money, goods, food, and many other things. Be grateful that her old age can be useful for others and not feel lonely.

There are 8 children in total. All the children, Qing Yang was the one who understood her the most. She's a good child, full of joy, unfortunately behind that joy there is a sadness that she hides.

That morning ten years ago. all residents have filled the beach, a fisherman was found lying on the beach unconscious. the fisherman knows since yesterday morning he went to sea with other fishermen and has not returned.

A doctor came to try to resuscitate him. Soon the fisherman conscious, his eyes opened, what he could see was everyone surrounding him. Fully conscious, the fisherman recalled the events at sea, the first thing he remembered was his wife. He looked around, his wife's figure was nowhere to be seen. The fisherman got up quickly, then asked the people around him, "Where is my wife? Where?" While crying he looked up at the sky and shouted hysterically "Hwa Yen".

The residents of the east seacoast saw this, some began to worry about their families who also went to the sea, all asked "What happened"

The fisherman who survived told what happened.

"The weather is as usual, all fishermen know that this weather is suitable for fishing, the boat has been prepared with other equipment. Everyone was already in the middle of the sea, when it was still early in the morning, each of us prepared a net and threw it into the sea and waited for a while. But suddenly the water was surging. The waves rise and fall indefinitely. Hwa Yen and I were holding onto the boat, but the raging water got bigger and big waves came and hit our boat until it capsized, we tried to save ourselves, but the raging sea water made the fishermen toss and get carried away by the wave" a sob sounded, the fisherman again called out "Hwa Yen" and cried hysterically. His eyes looked empty and unlit, gloomy.

When the fisherman finished telling Grandma Fen Fang sat quietly on the sand, since yesterday Grandma had been patiently waiting for Qing Hua and Xie Chen to return. Reluctantly stood up and walked unsteadily away from the crowd of people, returning to her house.

Arriving at her house, Grandma Fen Fang saw Qing Yang playing in the yard, walked over to her, hugged her tightly, without realizing that tears were running down her cheeks that had been over half a century ago. Grandma recounted what happened to Qing Yang very carefully. Know that children's hearts are very vulnerable and easily traumatized.

Qing Yang's eyes filled with tears, her nose reddened hearing Grandma's story. Even though she was still young, she at least understood the meaning of Grandma's story. When Grandma finished the story, the tears that could no longer be contained finally burst out and flow to her cheeks, she stood up, turned towards the door, and ran away.

Grandmother Fen Fang followed her, Qing Yang went to the beach, without any fear, she continued to run through the waves shouting "Mom, Father" her tiny body was carried away by the waves that morning was still too big, in a moment Qing Yang was already drowning. Grandma try to find where the last spot she is disappear.

Grandma Fen Fang panicked, screaming frantically. pulled Qing Yang out of the tide. When they reached on the beach, Qing Yang was lying on the sand and was unconscious. "Qing Yang…Qing Yang…." Called Grandma scared, patted her cheek but she was still unconscious.

People started arriving to see what was happening. The atmosphere of the beach is filled with sadness. Sad of some family members pass away, an unexpected departure will occur.

Grandma Fen Fang sat her down then patted her on the back, Qing Yang coughed and came to her senses. She looked very scared, her eyes looked right and left. Her face is pale.

His hands were shaking either from extreme fear or from the cold. Grandma Fen Fang hugged her tightly, stroking her back trying to calm her down.

"Qing Yang…. you're safe, you're okay, don't be afraid dear" said Grandma, her voice still sounded panicked and frantic.

Qing Yang was still tense. She gripped her finger tightly. Which made her palms turn pale.

"Qing Yang grandma is here" Grandma said again as she rocked her body back and forth. Hope Qing Yang will calm down.

The second sentence brought Qing Yang to her senses and came out of her fear. Slowly she loosened her fingers grip. Her body began to relax, lifted her head, looked up, trying to see the face of Grandma who was hugging her. Tears were flowing again.

"Grandmother…." She Called. Her arms wrapped around Grandma's body, hugging her. She buried her face in Grandma's chest again and sobbed.

"Oh dear Qing Yang…." Grandma's heart was relieved "Cry, it's okay honey, Grandma is here" Grandma hugged her back tightly. And let her cry. Soon the crying began to subside.

Grandma let go of her hand. Both of her hands held Qing Yang's shoulders. pushed her away so she could see her face.

Her eyes were moist, her cheeks wet, her lips still quivering and now they were blue. Seeing this Grandma said. "Honey we need to go home and dry your body, otherwise you will get sick" Grandma and Qing Yang's eyes met each other. Waiting for her answer between sobs, she just nodded in agreement.

Still hugging Qing Yang, Grandma stood holding her in her arms and started walking, Go home.

Grandma Fen Fang was Qing Yang's parents' neighbor. Whenever Qing Yang's parents went to the sea to catch fish, they always left it to Grandma. Since that incident, Qing Yang was raised by Grandma like her own biological child. Educated and taught manners, attitudes, and knowledge. Just like she did at Huan Wen Hwa School.

Grandma's thoughts were interrupted by a small voice. Her eyes looked to her left and saw Lien Hwa standing by her side, her hand holding a rag doll made by Grandma herself. As a playmate. It's even become her bed mate now.

Grandma smiled and asked, "What is it Lien Hwa?" grandmother's hand while stroking her head.

Lien Hwa lifted the rag doll to her chest. Her tiny hands held the rag doll's arm. "Grandma, Jing Hwa's hand" she said showing that the rag doll's hand was about to break.

Grandma's hand that had been stroking Lien Hwa's head. Moving downstairs, holding the rag doll said, "May I have a look, honey?" Grandma asked waiting for Lien Hwa's reaction.

Without answering she pass the doll and let Grandma take it from her hands. Grandma studied the doll carefully, flipping the rag doll back and forth. Then soon said "Grandma will fix it" as she wanted to get up from her seat. But stopped looking at what Lien Hwa was holding.

Again, Grandma smiled at her. Picked up sewing kit from Lien Hwa to start sewing the rag doll.

Without realizing it, when Grandma was looking at the rag doll earlier. Lien Hwa went to the cupboard at the end of the room, opened the drawer where she knew where the sewing tools were. Take it and brought near Grandma sitting.

"Okay, Grandma will fix it now, you go back to playing with the others". Grandma told her. And as usual. Lien Hwa never wanted to be away from her beloved doll. She always waited patiently to stand next to Grandma, watching Grandma sewing the doll and every time it's done. Lien Hwa would jump up and down for joy in front of Grandma. Then say "thank you".

Lien Hwa's excitement was interrupted by the voice of Qing Yang, who was standing at the door leading to the dining room. "Grandma's dinner is ready, let's eat"

Everyone sat back down at the dining table, to enjoy dinner happily.