Going home is a kind of expectation that is placed on endless beauty, a mood of longing for belonging. Sometimes, however, this expectation is not as romantic as it seems. Sometimes, returning home can also be a lonely, difficult, or even torturous journey.
In 1958, a nine-year-old child came to Yuntang Primary School with his mother. The district is located deep in the mountains, remote and desolate. The child's parents originally worked at the county tax office, but their mother's unintentional mistake forced them to be transferred to Yuntang, which is hundreds of miles away. So, the child and his sister followed their mother to this strange place. Despite the lack of quality of education in the primary schools in the mountain villages, the parents decided to transfer their children to the county seat first. Early in the morning, the mother handed over the child to an uncle who was on his way to the county seat, but did not see him off in person. This lonely journey allows children to experience the taste of loneliness at a young age. After walking for a long time, the child and his uncle rested in a small town and ate simple rice, but the loneliness in their hearts could not be filled. This trip left a deep impression on him.
In 1974, a newly married young man was sent to work in a Yi Autonomous Township. During the day, he traveled everywhere, but at night, he lived alone in the empty dormitory of a rural elementary school. The cool breeze of the night, and the creaking of doors and windows, made the young man feel terrified. A month has passed, and he misses home so much, especially his wife who has just separated. So, after asking the team leader for leave, he hurriedly set out on the journey home. This journey home is full of danger and uncertainty. There is still a long way to go from the county seat, and he can only run around in the wilderness alone, and he may encounter danger at any time. However, he had only one belief in his heart, and that was to go home. The loneliness and anxiety of walking in the mountains and wilderness until a familiar truck appeared gave him a glimmer of hope. The appearance of this car finally freed him from loneliness and fear.
In 1977, a young man who was admitted to Fudan University traveled on the road every winter and summer vacation. The winter break is short, and it's not worth going home; In the summer vacation, you need to prepare various things in advance so that you can return home smoothly. However, the journey home was not smooth. The journey by long train made him tired, and the tossing and turning all night made it impossible for him to get a real rest. Even when he arrived at his destination, his legs were swollen and uncomfortable, and his journey home was full of torture and discomfort. However, even as his body suffered, his desire to return home remained undiminished.
In 1992, a temporary worker in Baoding, Hebei Province, often went back and forth between home and unit due to work needs. Even though returning home on Saturday meant a long walk and a crowded train car, he chose it that way. However, a small folding stool and a ** have become his best companions on the journey. Even on a crowded train, he could find a quiet corner to enjoy reading. This kind of journey home, although not smooth, is full of longing for home and anticipation for the way home.
Coming home is a special emotional experience for everyone. Whether it's a lonely journey, a dangerous challenge, a torment, or a smooth way home, every time you return home is a unique story. These experiences have enriched the experience of life, and also increased the cherishing and longing for home.