I don't know why, but sometimes I think of Qiuge.

I once wanted to visit her at her home, but I heard that after the previous incident, many people in the village kept their distance from her family.

Especially those who go to school, they don't want to have any connection with Qiuge's family.

On this day, when I went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy things, I ran into Aunt Zhang.

Aunt Zhang is Qiuge's mother.

Last year, when I passed the college entrance examination and had a celebration, she came to my house specifically to help, working tirelessly with great enthusiasm.

In addition to farming, Aunt Zhang also grows vegetables in the garden, working from dawn till dusk, covered in dirt on her legs and shoes.

After not seeing her for a few months, her hair has turned half white, her back has become more hunched, and her face is full of sorrow.

Aunt Zhang recognized me, smiled, and her face was full of wrinkles.

"Chao Yang, you're back?"

This smile made me feel a bit guilty.

I saw Aunt Zhang carrying a bag of fertilizer on her back, so heavy, so I helped her carry it back.

This was my first time visiting Qiuge's home.

As soon as I entered the courtyard, I smelled a musty odor mixed with some alcoholic scent.

I put the fertilizer down for Aunt Zhang and was about to leave.

Aunt Zhang stopped me and asked me to rest inside the house for a while. She first gave me some vegetables grown at home to take back with me, and then asked about things in the city.

I saw Aunt Zhang's face brighten up a lot, so I told her some things.

Just as we were talking, Aunt Zhang suddenly got up, lifted the door curtain, and looked into the neighboring room, then came back to chat with me.

She just asked me to keep my voice down.

I glanced curiously at the door curtain of the neighboring room.

Aunt Zhang said:

"Exams are coming soon, don't disturb her studying."

She smiled again:

"It will be good once she passes the college entrance examination."

A chill ran down my spine.

Because Aunt Zhang only has one child, and that is Qiuge.