Illustration: LE NGOC DUY
Quang grew up with the sound of waves lapping against the white sand of a poor fishing village. The salty smell of the sea permeated every breath, even the peaceful dreams of his childhood. Quang's parents worked at sea all year round, the small boat was their entire fortune, the source of their family's livelihood. Quang's childhood was as peaceful as windy afternoons on the sand, with innocent children's games and simple dreams of a bright future.
Quang was a good student. Poverty did not stop him but rather fueled his will to succeed. On the day he passed the university entrance exam, Quang left his beloved fishing village for the horizons of knowledge. After four years of diligent study, Quang graduated with honors. The big city opened up many opportunities and Quang seized them all. With constant efforts, Quang quickly got a stable job, got married, built a family with two lovely children and a spacious house in the city.
Quang's life continued to flow smoothly and successfully. However, every time he returned to his hometown, many emotions arose in Quang's heart. Every time he returned, Quang met old friends, familiar faces who had accompanied him through his school years.
On a hot summer afternoon, Quang stopped by Hung's small grocery store. Hung was still the same, skinny, tanned, busily arranging some candy packages. Seeing Quang, Hung looked up, a gentle smile on his lips.
“Hey, Quang! It's been a long time since you've been home.”
“Yeah, I've been so busy. How's the shop doing lately?” Quang asked sincerely.
Hung sighed, quickly wiping the sweat from his forehead. “It’s not bad. I’ve only sold a few things this morning. But whatever, I’m happy that I have enough to eat. I’m happy that my wife and kids are healthy.”
Quang looked around the shop, the goods were simple and plain. He suddenly remembered Hung from his student years, an exemplary class monitor, active, always full of plans for a bright future as a lawyer.
“Have you ever thought about coming back here to open a shop?”, Quang asked softly.
Hung smiled sadly: “Think about it. But life is like that, you can’t have everything you want. After graduating, it’s hard to find a job. I’d rather go back to my hometown, have a family foundation, and a small business is okay. The important thing is to have time for my wife and children.”
In the conversation with Hung, Quang recalled the days when both of them were freshmen. Hung enthusiastically participated in union activities, always cherishing the dream of becoming a good lawyer, defending the weak. But now, Hung is attached to this tiny grocery store. Quang felt a little sad. He wondered, what made Hung's dream turn in a different direction? Does Hung regret his choices?
A few days before, Quang visited Nam's house in Da Nang City. The small house was located in a quiet alley. Nam was still as agile and active as ever, busily packing several packages of clothes.
“Quang! You came out without any notice?”, Nam said while quickly applying the tape.
“I just stopped by for a bit. I see your business is doing well, right?”, Quang looked at the piles of carefully packed clothes.
Nam smiled generously. “It’s enough to live on. Nowadays, selling online is a trend. My Polytechnic degree is just for... home decoration. But it’s okay, as long as I can earn money to raise my children and send them to school.”
“Do you regret it?”, Quang asked, looking deeply into his friend’s eyes. “So many years of studying…”.
Nam stopped, looked at Quang, and let out a soft breath. “It’s a pity, yes. But I think the important thing is that I find joy in my work. Even though it’s not my major, I feel comfortable with what I’m doing. A happy family is the most important thing, right?”
Quang recalls his days at the Polytechnic University, Nam was an active, creative student, always researching electronic devices. Nam dreamed of becoming a talented engineer, contributing to the development of his hometown. But then, life pushed him to become an online seller. Quang felt the resignation and satisfaction in Nam's words. Perhaps, after the ups and downs, Nam has found joy and happiness in the simple things of life.
This time back to his hometown, Quang also had the opportunity to meet Hieu at a popular drinking place. Hieu was still as simple and honest as ever, quickly pouring beer for customers.
-"Hey, Quang! Which hero is back here?" - Hieu laughed loudly and patted Quang's shoulder hard.
-"I stopped by to visit some old friends. How have you been?"
-"You're doing great! Every afternoon, come here and sell a few cases of beer to earn a little money. My Industrial College degree is probably rusted by now" - Hieu smiled, but there was still a hint of sadness in his voice.
Quang sat down next to Hieu, watching the people passing by. He suddenly thought, this life is so full of twists and turns, each person has a different fate. His friends, who once had so many dreams, ended up choosing simple paths to make a living. But in that simplicity, there was still optimism and responsibility towards their families.
During his days in the countryside, Quang heard many stories about young people in the village. They were no longer interested in taking university and college entrance exams. Instead, after finishing high school, they decided to go abroad to work. Flight after flight took them to faraway countries, with the hope of changing their lives quickly.
Quang couldn’t help but worry. Is this labor export whirlwind a sustainable path for their future? After three or five years of returning, with little capital, what will they do to stabilize their lives? He heard that some people return and then have to work as factory workers in industrial zones, while others do hard manual labor. Many young families in the countryside have husbands, wives, and children living in different places. The love between husbands and wives, between fathers and children, fades over the years.
Vu's story is a typical example. Vu used to be the pride of his village when he went to Japan to work and brought back a large sum of money. But then, due to a lack of clear direction, Vu could not find a stable job in his hometown. Now, he only helps his old mother with a few fields, and his savings are gradually dwindling.
Quang sat alone on the beach, watching the boats moored. He pondered about life. Happiness does not always come from great success or high positions. Sometimes, happiness is hidden in the simplest things: a warm family, a job to do, whether manual or intellectual.
He thought of his wife and two children in the city. His life might be more materially comfortable than his friends, but he also faced his own pressures. His busy work and the worries of urban life sometimes made him feel tired. Recently, with the policy of merging and streamlining, he became more worried and thoughtful.
Quang suddenly realized one thing, each person has a different path, even though the job is different, the most important thing is still constant effort, a positive attitude and responsibility to loved ones. Happiness is not a destination, but a journey, the way we face and overcome difficulties in life.
He quietly looked out to sea. The waves still lapped steadily against the shore, a reminder of perseverance and patience. No matter how many ups and downs life has, no matter what the future holds, the important thing is that each person lives fully in the present, cherishes what they have and never stops hoping for a brighter tomorrow.
Tran Tuyen
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/ngon-gio-lang-chai-194316.htm
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