March 1, 2024, 6 a.m. Li Zhiqiang woke up silently in the corner of his cell. He looked out the window at the rising sky, but his heart was still immersed in darkness. After a sleepless night, his mind kept replaying the scene of the car accident, the anesthesia of alcohol and the fear of losing control made him repeat the same mistakes again and again in his dreams. A year has passed.
Lao Chen, a middle-aged man who killed someone due to family conflicts, patted him gently, "Don't think about it anymore, you can only look forward here." Although his words were simple, they were like a ray of sunshine piercing the haze in Li Zhiqiang's heart.
At half past six in the morning, the prison guards' whistle sounded, and all the prisoners lined up for their daily labor reform. Li Zhiqiang and other prisoners worked hard to complete the tasks in the workshop, everyone was working hard, in order to reduce the sentence, in order to get out, no one spoke. Here, time is slow and heavy, and every minute and every second seems to remind them mercilessly: this is not home, it is prison.
At lunchtime, Li Zhiqiang and Lao Chen sat together. Lao Chen told him that he killed someone by mistake because of a momentary impulse, "There are no ifs in life, only consequences." I'm going to pay for my impulsiveness now. Lao Chen's eyes revealed deep remorse and helplessness.
On the afternoon education day, Li Zhiqiang sat alone in front of the iron window, looking at the sky outside the window. He remembered his family, his friends, and his life. Those beautiful memories are like broken mirrors, which can no longer be pieced together. He closed his eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks.
As night fell, Li Zhiqiang lay on the cold bed, listening to the breathing of the other prisoners and the occasional sigh. Li Zhiqiang has spent countless nights in silence in the dark, and today, he feels a little different.
He pondered whether to choose to continue to sink or to bravely face his past. He realized that only by facing the past bravely could he truly come out of the darkness. So, he decided to accept Lao Chen's suggestion and began to work hard to change himself.
The next morning, Li Zhiqiang got up early, made his bed, and cleaned up. He took the initiative to communicate with his fellow inmates and help them complete their tasks. His positive attitude won the appreciation of the prison guards and also gave him a good image among the prisoners.
During the labor reform, Li Zhiqiang met a young prisoner, Xiao Ming. Xiao Ming is sentenced to prison for theft, but he has a kind heart and longs for change. Li Zhiqiang took the initiative to communicate with Xiao Ming and told him about his experience and feelings. He told Xiao Ming that although there are many setbacks and difficulties in life, as long as you face them bravely and work hard to change yourself, you will definitely be able to get out of the predicament.
Over time, Mr. Lee's efforts began to bear fruit. His performance is getting better and better, and he gets the opportunity to have his sentence commuted. He also gradually regained contact with his family and felt the warmth of family affection again. He began to write letters to his family and friends, expressing his guilt and longing to them.
In the letter, Li Zhiqiang wrote: "I have experienced a lot of pain and struggle here, but I have understood a truth: there are no ifs in life, only consequences and processes. I made mistakes and had to live with the consequences, but I wasn't going to give up trying and changing. I hope you will understand me and support me. I will try to get home as soon as possible. ”
Li Zhiqiang's letter spread throughout the prison and touched many prisoners and prison guards. They begin to reflect on their past and future, thinking about how to better face adversity and setbacks. Lee's story has become an inspiring role model that inspires more people to strive to change themselves.
In the end, Li Zhiqiang's efforts were not in vain. After spending two years in prison, he was granted parole. He walked out of the prison gates and reintegrated into society.
Although the mistakes of the past cannot be erased, Li Zhiqiang firmly believes that he has found a new direction and hope. He began to actively devote himself to public welfare, helping those who had been in the same difficult situation as him.
He used his own experiences and stories to tell them: don't give up on yourself and face the past and future bravely.
Li Zhiqiang is a person who understands, and he knows that for those who have a criminal record, it is really difficult to find a job. This world is so realistic, once you have a label on you, people will look at you in a strange light, as if you will always be a criminal and never be trusted. But Li Zhiqiang did not give up on these people, he always believed that everyone has a chance to mend their ways.
Is a criminal record really that important? I've been looking for a job for a long time, and as long as it involves an ID card, I won't be hired, which is a tragedy. February** Dynamic Incentive Program