The spring breeze in the south of the Yangtze River blows the green earth, and outside the window of my house, the bamboo chair under the old pear tree seems to be still waiting for last year's story to continue.
However, this year's Spring Festival has set off an unprecedented turmoil.
What do you really want? I came back to see you with my children and daughter-in-law, but you didn't welcome it? The son questioned sharply, his voice especially harsh in the cold wind.
I leaned my broom against the corner and turned to look at him, "Yes, I'm not welcome to you. ”
There was silence in the house, only the ticking of the old clock echoed in the air, and the daughter-in-law lowered her head and hugged the child tightly, as if she were anticipating the next storm.
Mom, how can you do this? Don't you want to see your grandson? The daughter-in-law finally spoke, her tone full of incomprehension and grievance.
Grandson? I repeated the word, as if savoring it, "I only know that I have a grandson, and I have never heard of a grandson." ”
The son's face sank, "What kind of attitude do you have?" We have come from afar, and you show this attitude? "Coming from afar? I sneered, but my heart seemed to be blocked by a boulder, "Are you here to see me, or are you here to see this old house?" As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room became even heavier.
I understand that this dispute is only the tip of the iceberg, and that what lies behind it is the resentment and resentment that have accumulated over the years.
In this small rural living room, the celebration of the Spring Festival was overshadowed by this sudden quarrel.
Looking at them, I felt indescribably complex emotions in my heart, anger and helplessness coexisted.
At the moment, I felt like I was at a crossroads, and I didn't know what to do.
Come to think of it, the cause of all this has to start with the growth of my son and daughter.
Although my house is just an ordinary farm yard, my wife and I always want to give the best for our children.
Daughter Xiaofang has been very sensible since she was a child, with good academic performance and a gentle personality, and when she grew up, she found a stable job in the city, and every time she went home, she would bring some subsidies to the family, and never let us worry about it.
And my son Xiaogang has a very different personality.
He didn't like to study, and after graduating from high school, he didn't continue his studies, and he was always idle at home, relying on us to support him.
After getting married, he and his daughter-in-law moved into our house, and we still have to maintain our life.
The couple occasionally did odd jobs, but most of the time they were at home with nothing to do, and they often had to reach out to us for money.
Mom, aren't you all here for us in this life? You look at other people's homes, which one is not a son to provide for the elderly? "Xiao Gang always said this every time he asked me for money.
I know that raising children to prevent old age is a traditional concept in the countryside, but I prefer that he can be independent and have his own life, rather than relying on us all the time.
Xiaofang was very open to this, and she always comforted me and said, "Mom, don't worry too much, I will work hard, and I won't let you and Dad worry about us in the future." ”
My daughter's words always bring me some comfort.
However, on the eve of the Spring Festival this year, when Xiao Gang suddenly said that he was going to bring his family back for the New Year, the contradictions and dissatisfaction in my heart finally broke out.
For many years, they have been indifferent to their home, and they have never returned home to see the New Year in other places.
How can I not have a guilty conscience, how can I not be angry? "Mom, we came back this time to have a good New Year and reunite with you. ”
Xiao Gang's voice in ** sounded like it was full of anticipation.
But I knew in my heart that the reason for their return was not pure.
Recently, there have been rumors in the village that the neighborhood of his hometown will be demolished and compensated a lot of money.
My heart is even colder because of this.
During this time, I've been wondering what exactly is making our relationship so distant.
Am I being too harsh, or are they being too selfish? I do not know.
All I know is that I only have a sensible daughter, and the son who has always worried me never seems to really understand our painstaking efforts as parents.
The pace of the Spring Festival is getting closer and closer, and Xiaogang's family finally returned to their hometown with their family as they said.
However, their arrival did not bring warmth and joy to this home, but further expanded the existing rift.
Xiao Gang pushed open the door and brought the family in, with a smile on his face, but I could see that there was no trace of sincerity in that smile.
I nodded, but I didn't feel a little happy in my heart, "You're back." ”
At the dinner table, the atmosphere was extremely awkward.
I try to look calm, but the waves inside me are hard to calm down.
Xiao Gang also seemed to feel my coldness, but he did not restrain because of this, but became more unscrupulous.
Mom, I heard that this neighborhood is going to be demolished, and the compensation is very generous.
We're coming back to help you make a good calculation. ”
While picking up vegetables, Xiao Gang inadvertently mentioned the matter of demolition.
My heart sank, and it was just as I had guessed.
I put down my chopsticks and asked calmly, "Are you coming back this time for demolition?" Xiao Gang obviously didn't expect me to be so frank, he was stunned for a moment, and then smiled awkwardly, "Of course not, we really want to come back to accompany you." ”
I didn't continue to ask, but I already had the answer in my heart.
After dinner, I sat on a bamboo chair under the old pear tree and recalled the scene of our family reunion in the past, although life was not rich at that time, the feelings between the family were sincere.
Today, material conditions have become abundant, but people's hearts have changed.
A few days later, I decided to talk to Xiao Gang, and I wanted to tell him that this home was not a place where he could come and go at will.
Xiaogang, I know you didn't come back just for the Chinese New Year. ”
I said without mince of words.
Xiao Gang was a little embarrassed, "Mom, what do you mean by this?" "I mean it very simply. ”
I took a deep breath and continued, "Didn't you come back from afar because you heard about the demolition? Why didn't you take the initiative in the past? Xiao Gang's expression instantly became ugly, "Mom, how can you think so?" I'm your son! "Son? I repeated, with a hint of sarcasm in my tone, "If you really think of yourself as a son, you shouldn't just come back at such moments. ”
The atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Xiao Gang stood up, and his voice also raised, "What do you mean by this?" I brought my family back for the New Year, your attitude towards me? "Yes, that's my attitude. ”
I didn't show weakness either, "Because I only have a sensible daughter, and I don't have a son like you." ”
Xiao Gang was stunned, and then left the room angrily, leaving me to sit there with mixed feelings.
At this point, I felt both sad and relieved.
I know that this conflict may further alienate our relationship, but there are some things that must be made clear, as much as it may cause disputes.
Over the next few days, the atmosphere at home was even heavier.
The attitude of Xiaogang's family also became distant, and we hardly had a conversation except for the necessary exchanges.
Their dissatisfaction with me was felt, but I had no intention of backing down.
In my opinion, this is not only a question of compensation for demolition, but also a kind of attitude and behavior towards them.
Eventually, on the eve of the Chinese New Year, I made a decision.
I found Xiao Gang and told him that after the Spring Festival, I hoped that they would find another place to settle down.
Mom, do you want us to leave? Xiao Gang was full of doubts.
No, I want you to fend for yourself. ”
I replied calmly, "You have a family and a business, and you should have your own life, not depend on us all the time." ”
Xiao Gang was silent for a moment, and then said coldly: "Okay, we'll leave after the Spring Festival." ”
Although on the day of the Spring Festival, our family sat together, the whole atmosphere was not as happy as in previous years.
Looking at the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner full of tables, my heart was empty.
I know that maybe this is the last time we will be together for the New Year.