That Year I Was 18
Just a few days ago, I just turned 18 years old, feeling both happy and a little lost. I fantasized about finally becoming an adult, like a dandelion finally able to travel with the wind. Having my own dreams and being able to pursue them. When my mother looked back at me and said, 'Son, you've grown up, you're taller than Dad' (Dad is 178cm tall), when I was a child, my parents were my safe harbor, now that I've grown up, I can also be my parents' other shore. Suddenly, I felt the burden becoming heavier. It was the first time I felt the oppression of life. When I saw the fine wrinkles etched on my mother's face, like knives, I wanted to stop them from getting old, I wanted to let them have a better life.'
During my high school years, I was spoiled and didn't know how to appreciate it, feeling too tired to go to school. The teachers lecturing and the boring lessons made me feel frustrated. It was more enjoyable to hang out at school, fighting, smoking, and dating. I wasted days and nights. Recently, I almost got disciplined, but fortunately, the whole class went to beg for me with the school leader. It was because there was a boy in the neighboring class who blocked her from leaving the classroom during lunch time. When we were about to go downstairs to play basketball in the square, we ran into the class talent committee member, who is also a class beauty. She has a sweet appearance and a perfect figure. I wanted to tease her, but I collapsed on the table and cried without a word. Although I was considered a popular guy in the class, she didn't respond. Outside, there were small whispers discussing the matter. It turned out that she was blocked by a bad and powerful boy in the neighboring class, and we couldn't bear it. We went to settle the matter and paid her medical expenses, and almost got expelled.
After that, I became more restrained. Although my high school days were pretty good, with the living expenses my parents gave me every month, I still felt it wasn't enough to spend. I always felt that earning my own money was more satisfying.
After the college entrance examination, I took a four-month vacation, which really made me realize that working is not easy, and it's very tired. I no longer looked forward to the bell ringing in each class, nor did I look forward to the exercises left by the teacher, nor did I have evening chats with my classmates. There were machine noises, unfinished overtime, and the boss's insistence on achieving sales. There was a small salary earned through my hard work at the end of the month. I also realized how precious money is, and I also understood the hard work of my parents day and night to let me live a good life. But what can we give them in return?
I took a deep breath, 'Hush, blow out the candles on my 18th birthday and wake up my former stubbornness.' I made a deep wish, 'In the future, I will be your other shore, you raise me young, I will raise you old, and I wish all parents a long and healthy life.'
