In fact, I’ve long been thinking about writing this story down but hesitated every time when I began to write it. I was so moved by it that I just feared I couldn’t convey everything in it to you by my weak manipulation of words. Another reason is that I have not figured out a good title for it till now. However, I am too eager to share it with you now, regardless of taking that risk…… I’d like to do so in the wish that you buddies may give me a hand in giving it a good title. If you could give me some input……oh, that’ll be……… terrific!
It took place in a small county in the west of the United States. The hero’s name was Steve.
What does this story touch me most? The affection, the love, for the beloved one, and other people. Love always brings about miracles, I believe!
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A car was moving slowing along the winding road among the mountains. It was late afternoon and the sun had set down behind the mountains earlier than before. Darkness was gradually reigning everywhere. On the mountains along the road, thick snow could be seen on the slopes, reflecting the last ray of daylight . Finally, everything was devoured by overwhelming darkness.
Driving the car was a man in his early 30’s, his name was Steve. After a whole day’s hard work, his face looked pale and emaciated with tiredness. He had planned to get home before darkness, but was detained due to some urgent issues. Now how he wished to get home as quickly as he could, where his beloved must be waiting anxiously for his return.
Thinking of his wife, his face darkened. It seemed that something was gnawing him and he really felt the hurt. From the deepest of his heart, he felt so sorry about his wife that he hadn’t offered her wife a cozy and comfortable life since they got married. While other buddies left the county to other big cities for more opportunities, he chose to stay here to herit something left by his parents. But the business was not good, and life was really tough for the poor couple. And what tortured him more was, she seemed always very happy being with him. Every time he went back home, she was there, smiling at him, and giving him a warm hug. She never complained anything.
Without being noticed, the snow was falling from the dark sky. The snowflakes were dancing with the wind, falling on the road ahead and the windshield. Steve had to pay more attention though he seemed troubled with something. The snow was heavier and heavier, and he could hardly see the road.
At one turn of the road, the light of the car casted the far end of the road. Suddenly, he found a vague figure in the snow. He stepped on the accelerator. He got closer and stopped his car. When he got out of his car, he saw an old lady standing beside a car, trembling with coldness and fright. He came up and saw a wrinkled and scared face. Then his eye fell on to the car. It was a nice and luxurious one.
He came to the lady and asked,” what’s the matter, ma’am? May I give you a hand?”
“OH….oh……my car broke down here,…and….and I..don’t know what to do about it…….” The lady said, while stepping backward a little.
” I’ve been here…..for about 2 hours now…, but no one passed by…”The old lady said in a broken voice, and Steve could feel her tightening her body and trying to stop it from trembling. Maybe out of coldness, hunger,…or fear..
” Mind if I have a look?” Steve said.
” …Sure…”, there was a trace of overjoy in the voice.
Then he began to check the car. It was not a serious problem and he fixed it after about 15 minutes.
“OK, ma’am. It’s ok now. I think you can drive it home now.” Said Steve, ready to get into his own car, while the old lady came up to him suddenly.
” Sir, thank you for helping me, but I can pay for what you have done for me. Please tell me how much you want. Ok?”
Steve felt as if his face had been clapped heavily. He slowly turned around and gazed at the lady for a moment. Finally, he said, calmly but firmly,” Ma’am, when I did it for you, I didn’t expect you to pay me. You were in trouble, and I helped you out. That’s it. Frankly speaking, I feel insulted by what you said just now.”
” But, I really hope to thank you and do something for you, sir. Sorry if I offended you….”
Steve smiled at the lady, ” Ma’am, if you do hope to thank me, then try to help another one who you think needs your help. That will be your pay for me. Safe journey home, ma’am.”
The lady stood there, seeing the car started, running forward along the road, and finally disappearing at the turn ahead….
It was colder now, but her heart was filled with warmth…..
( To be continued)
