LATE SUNLIGHT

The friends stood watching Pao leave. They were all bewildered. Sang couldn't keep his composure:

- Oh my God!... How could this guy be like this!

Phew, softly:

- Let's figure this out later, let's go home, guys!

The children went their separate ways home. A gentle breeze rustled the dry leaves. As Phừ walked, she pondered – this extravagant lifestyle would ruin Páo… Phừ's steps slowed.

Pao was born into a poor family. His father died young from a serious illness. Pao grew up in the loving care of his mother. He was well-behaved and a good student, achieving the title of "Advanced Student" for three consecutive years. His teachers praised him and often held him up as an example for younger students to follow. But since Pao's mother decided to remarry, he has been very sad. He was teased by some of his classmates. Unable to bear it, he frequently skipped school to hang out with unfamiliar friends. He wouldn't listen to anyone's advice. Recently, Pao even spoke harshly to his mother. He secretly sold the family's corn to buy bracelets and necklaces, and dyed his hair blue and red. At the end of last week's class meeting, his homeroom teacher reprimanded him, and he promised to correct his mistakes. Yet, on the first day of the week, he skipped school again to hang out. After school, Phu and his close friends met Pao on the way home. They tried to reason with him, but he replied, "I don't need you guys to worry about me," and walked away, making Sang furious.

The wind suddenly blew harder. The whistling sound startled Phu. The sky was gloomy, as if it were about to rain, and it did! The rain wasn't heavy, but it was enough to soak Phu's white shirt. Phu ran straight home. As soon as she put down her schoolbag, Phu saw Seng rushing towards her, his voice urgent:

- Phew… Phew…

What's wrong, Sèng?

- You… follow me right now! Pao fell off his motorbike… he's in a lot of pain!

- Where?

- It was on the road near its gate… But I guess everyone has taken it to the medical station by now.

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Phừ ran after Sèng to the commune's health station. The medical staff were cleaning Páo's wound along with two unfamiliar young men. Páo's leg wound was quite deep, and he was bleeding profusely. Páo's mother, with tears in her eyes, recounted:

As soon as Páo arrived home, two young men from the neighboring village rode up on their motorbikes and invited him to go out. His uncle refused, but Páo said he would only be gone for a short while and then return. Because he was a new driver, Páo couldn't react in time when a buffalo suddenly crossed the road.

After his wounds were cleaned, Pao lay on the hospital bed, his eyes half-closed. Phu comforted him:

- Does it hurt a lot? The officer said the wound will heal if you rest for a few days.

Phừ said this while taking Páo's hand. Páo's eyes welled up with tears.

- Am I a worthless person?

Don't say that. You're still Pao, our friend.

- Me…

- Don't be sad anymore! We know you're upset about family matters. But…

Phu hesitated for a moment, then continued: "But in my opinion, it's good to have someone else to help with the household chores. You'll have more time for your studies; you'll graduate from junior high school in a few months, and then you'll have to go on to higher education. How can your mother handle it all alone?"

Pao said nothing. Phu continued: "The Phu Dong Sports Festival at the district level is coming up soon, and you have the highest achievement in track and field in the school, don't you? You have to bring glory to the school and the class!"

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Pao smirked slightly: What can I do by myself?

- But we can't do without you either. Stop moping around, General!

Phừ gently punched Páo in the chest, making him cry out "ouch...ah." Páo looked out the window. The rain had stopped, only a few drops remained on the leaves. Gentle rays of sunlight illuminated the sky. Páo gazed for a long time before drifting off to sleep...

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Source: http://laocai.edu.vn/goc-van-nghe/tia-nang-muon-142084