The wind of the fishing village

Quang grew up surrounded by the gentle lapping of waves against the white sands of his poor fishing village. The salty scent of the sea permeated his every breath, even his peaceful childhood dreams. Quang's parents spent their lives at sea, their small boat being their only asset and the source of their family's livelihood. Quang's childhood was as serene as breezy afternoons on the sand dunes, filled with innocent childish games and simple dreams of a bright future.

Illustration: LE NGOC DUY

Quang grew up surrounded by the gentle lapping of waves against the white sands of his poor fishing village. The salty scent of the sea permeated his every breath, even his peaceful childhood dreams. Quang's parents spent their lives at sea, their small boat being their only asset and the source of their family's livelihood. Quang's childhood was as serene as breezy afternoons on the sand dunes, filled with innocent childish games and simple dreams of a bright future.

Quang was a brilliant student. Poverty didn't hinder him; instead, it fueled his ambition. Upon being accepted into university, Quang left his beloved fishing village to pursue his dreams. After four years of diligent study, he graduated with honors. The vast city offered countless opportunities, and Quang seized them. With unwavering effort, Quang quickly secured a stable job, got married, built a happy home with two adorable children, and a spacious house in the city.

Quang's life flowed peacefully and successfully. However, every time he returned to his hometown, a flood of emotions welled up inside him. Each time he came back, he met old friends, familiar faces who had shared his school years.

On a sweltering summer afternoon, Quang stopped by Hung's small convenience store. Hung was still the same, thin and sun-tanned, busily arranging some packages of snacks and candies. Seeing Quang, Hung looked up, a gentle smile spreading across his lips.

"Hey, Quang! It's been a long time since you've been back."

"Yeah, I've been really busy with work. How's business at the restaurant these days?" Quang asked, his voice sincere.

Hung sighed, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "It's just so-so, man. I've only sold a few things this morning. But never mind, as long as we have enough to eat, that's all that matters. I'm happy that my wife and children are healthy."

Quang looked around the shop, at the simple, unpretentious goods. He suddenly remembered Hung from his student days, an exemplary, lively class leader, always full of plans for a bright future as a lawyer.

"Have you... ever thought about coming back here to open a shop?" Quang asked softly.

Hung smiled sadly: "I did think about it. But that's life, you know, you don't always get what you want. After graduating, finding a job is so difficult. I guess I'll just go back to my hometown, where I have a family foundation, and a small business would be okay. The important thing is I'll have time for my wife and children."

In his conversation with Hung, Quang recalled their freshman days. Hung enthusiastically participated in student union activities, always harboring the dream of becoming a skilled lawyer, defending the underprivileged. Yet now, Hung was tied to this tiny convenience store. Quang felt a pang of sadness. He wondered what had caused Hung's dreams to take a different path? Did Hung regret his choices?

A few days earlier, Quang had visited Nam's house in Da Nang City. The small house was located in a quiet alley. Nam was still as quick and energetic as ever, busy packing several packages of clothes.

"Quang! You came to play without even letting me know?", Nam said, quickly applying tape.

"I just stopped by for a quick visit. It seems your business is doing quite well, doesn't it?", Quang said, looking at the carefully packed stacks of clothes.

Nam chuckled. "It's enough to live on, man. These days, selling online is the trend. My engineering degree is practically just for... decorating the house. But it's okay, as long as I can earn money to support my children's education."

"Do you regret it?" Quang asked, his gaze fixed on his friend. "All those years of studying..."

Nam stopped what he was doing, looked at Quang, and let out a sigh. “I do feel a little regretful. But I think what’s important is finding joy in my work. Even though it’s not my field of expertise, I feel comfortable with what I’m doing. A happy family comes first, right?”

Quang recalled his days at the Polytechnic University, when Nam was a dynamic and creative student, always tinkering with electronic devices. Nam once dreamed of becoming a brilliant engineer, contributing to the development of his homeland. But then, life's circumstances led him to become an online seller. Quang sensed both resignation and contentment in Nam's words. Perhaps, after all the ups and downs, Nam had found joy and happiness in the simple things in life.

During this trip back to his hometown, Quang also had the chance to meet Hieu at a casual pub. Hieu was still as simple and honest as ever, busily pouring beer for customers.

"Hey, Quang! Where's the hero from?" - Hieu laughed loudly, giving Quang a firm pat on the shoulder.

-"I stopped by to visit some old friends. How are you doing?"

"I'm perfectly fine, man! I just come here every afternoon to sell a few crates of beer and earn a little extra. My Industrial College diploma is probably all rusted by now," Hieu said with a chuckle, but there was still a hint of melancholy in his voice.

Quang sat down next to Hieu, watching the people passing by. He suddenly thought, life is so complicated, each person has their own destiny. His friends, those who once harbored so many dreams, ultimately chose simple paths to make a living. But in that simplicity, there still shone optimism and a sense of responsibility towards their families.

During his time in his hometown, Quang heard many stories about the young people in the village. They were no longer interested in going to university or college. Instead, after finishing high school, they decided to go abroad for work. Flights followed one another, taking them to distant countries, hoping for a quick change of fortune.

Quang couldn't help but worry. Was this wave of overseas labor truly a sustainable path to their future? After three or five years, returning with meager capital, what would they do to stabilize their lives? He heard that some returned only to work as factory workers in industrial zones, while others took on strenuous manual labor jobs. Many young families in rural villages were separated, husbands and wives and children living far apart. The affection between spouses and parents faded with time.

Vu's story is a prime example. Vu was once the pride of his village when he went to Japan for work and brought back a large sum of money. However, due to a lack of clear direction, Vu was unable to find a stable job back home. Now, he spends his time helping his elderly mother with a few acres of farmland, and his savings are dwindling.

Quang sat alone by the seashore, watching the boats anchored. He reflected on life. Happiness doesn't always come from resounding success or high positions. Sometimes, happiness is hidden in the simplest things: a warm family, a job to do, whether it's manual labor or intellectual work.

He thought of his wife and two children in the city. His life might be more materially comfortable than his friends', but he also faced his own pressures. His busy work schedule and the worries of city life sometimes left him feeling exhausted. Lately, the merger and downsizing policies had only added to his anxieties and concerns.

Quang suddenly realized something: everyone has a different path, and although their jobs may differ, the most important thing is continuous effort, a positive attitude towards life, and responsibility towards loved ones. Happiness is not a destination, but a journey, a way of facing and overcoming life's difficulties.

He gazed silently out at the sea. The waves continued to lap against the shore, a reminder of perseverance and patience. No matter the ups and downs of life, no matter what the future holds, the important thing is for each person to live fully in the present, cherish what they have, and never stop hoping for a brighter tomorrow.

Tran Tuyen

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/ngon-gio-lang-chai-194316.htm