Peaceful afternoon

The cool summer wind blew down the wide river, pushing the water surface, carelessly pushing the small boats anchored at the wharf. From the riverbank, the wind blew through the mulberry leaves and whistling. On the dike, someone's flute hung halfway across the sky, releasing gentle, melodious sounds. Half lying, half sitting on the shiny, fragrant honey grass, Tham tried to enjoy and absorb all the leisurely feelings of the peaceful countryside afternoon.

Illustration.

The wind from the dike gradually spread down to the green fields. At this time, the rice was in its prime, bright green, young and full of life. Another gust of wind continued to blow, the rice leaves swayed against each other. Occasionally, a naughty fish jumped out of the water and splashed down to the rice. A few storks waded about, looking up at the sky, "bewildered". Looking far away towards the village, the ivory bamboo fence, through many rainy and sunny seasons, still stood tall, protecting the small, curved roof of the communal house. A few decades ago, this bamboo fence used to be the "shelter" of Tham and the children in the neighborhood. After school, not wanting to go home right away, Tham hid behind the bamboo bushes or in the communal house yard with her friends to play mischievous games. On hot summer afternoons, choosing a corner of the communal house where the bamboo branches stretched out, the children lay down and chatted. Picking up and gathering a few guavas, bananas, and ripe star apples, the whole group gathered to eat right under the bamboo roots. In those days, the bamboo hedge at the village entrance was almost never empty of laughter and chatter. Oh, someone's kitchen smoke slowly drifted, lingering around the eaves of the house, circling around the old bamboo branches, signaling the end of the afternoon. The clanging sound of the oars calling for fish from the riverbank startled Tham, pulling her out of her memories. From down the river, the old fisherman was in a hurry, put down the net, the water is cool, the fish are about to come out to feed. I know, I say that every day, I know it by heart, the young man replied loudly. The oars vigorously splashed the water, the small boat rushed out into the middle of the river. At the bow of the boat, in the twilight, the young man stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, evenly casting the net. The late afternoon sunlight lingers on the boat, dances on the young man's shoulders, and reflects on the water, creating a picture with clear, beautiful shapes, both a bit lonely and still generous and open-minded.

A very valuable afternoon in the countryside, Tham mumbled. She had planned to herself many times to quit her job and find the most peaceful place to return to, but Tham had never been able to do it, nor had the “courage” to do it. Young people like her seemed to be afraid of… stopping, afraid of being surpassed, and also afraid of… doubting themselves. Until one day, Tham felt really tired, had to stop and look back. Then her old hometown immediately came to her mind first. This afternoon on the quiet village dike, amidst the howling winds calling the day, the young girl’s heart was strangely calm and peaceful. In the midst of the “rests” of the wind, from the river were echoing the longing sounds that replaced Tham’s heart: “The heart of the countryside ripples with the water. Without the smoke of the sunset, I still miss home”… (Trang Giang, Huy Can) .

Spring Flowers

Source: https://baonamdinh.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/202505/binh-yen-chieu-3926137/