Tears Flowed In My Heart with a Smile
I remember when I was in elementary school, my father worked away from home, but at least my mother was there to take care of me. I consistently ranked in the top three of my class, until the sixth grade. It was during that time that a music teacher in the neighboring class committed a despicable act, and was sentenced to seventeen years in prison. The school’s reputation suffered, and the coveted spots in prestigious secondary schools were reserved only for students with connections. My dream of attending the same prestigious school my father had attended was shattered after six years of hard work.
Later, I entered junior high school, but due to certain circumstances at home, we faced financial difficulties. My mother had to find work outside, and my brother and I spent six years fending for ourselves. Lost in the confusion of adolescence, I grew disgusted with many of my classmates in the school who engaged in fights, smoking, and drinking. My academic performance deteriorated rapidly. As the saying goes, life is like what that music teacher did. If you can't fight back, you might as well enjoy it. If you can't beat them, join them. Eventually, I found myself indulging in smoking, drinking, and gambling.
People often say, "Home is where you spend Chinese New Year, whether you’re rich or poor." But during those years, until I graduated from high school, I have no memories of having a reunion dinner with my parents.
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