The Color of Sacrifice 牺牲的颜色 – Chapter 15
The story of a young Chinese peasant’s search for a better life and the Long March ... 中国青年农民寻找更好的生活与长征的故事 by 作者: Ramses Rashidi 华蓝星
Chapter 15 Home Sweet Home
It was dark when Ping arrived at his home. He looked through the windows as his wife, Mei was feeding the baby and his family was busy cleaning up after dinner. Mei noticed someone at the window even though it was hard to see out the window in the dark. She called on Ping’s dad, Li Gong, who came out to see who it was. “Ping. Is it you?” they embraced and started to cry as Li Gong said loudly “It’s Ping.” Mei could not believe that Ping was back. Ping came running to Mei as they hugged each other with great emotions. Tears were flowing as Ping’s mom and brothers came to embrace him. Ping picked up his baby girl and held her in his arms. It was an unbelievable experience. Ping’s tears flowed like drops of rain falling on a flower holding the promise of a new day. It was an intensely emotional time. An amazing sight as the whole family was so incredibly happy to see each other.
After what seemed like a long time to get over the shock of Ping being back home. Mei went to the kitchen and got some food for Ping which she and the family joined him for a second dinner that night. It was such a happy occasion. Yet, Ping was thinking about the fact that the happiness could only last for about a week before he would have to return to the camp. But he was not about to spoil the fun…. at least not for now.
As they were eating under the light of candles and kerosene lamp, Ping noticed that his dad’s face and arms were all bruised up. “did the landlord people beat you up again?” Ping Asked as he stopped eating. Li Gong looked down and was quiet. Ping looked at his mom and she nodded her head confirming Ping’s suspicion. Ping also noticed that everyone looked so skinny. “Are you all getting enough to eat?” asked Ping as he looked around the table. Again, everyone was quiet. Ping walked outside and sat on the bench under the tree, so that the family won’t see his tears. Li Gong came outside and sat next to him as they hugged each other. “It will be OK. Don’t worry.” Li Gong told his dear son.
The next day Ping gave some money to his dad and asked him to buy some meat and food for the family. He asked his mom if she could buy some yarn to make some clothes for the baby and the family.
A couple of days went by, as the family was just exuberant over the fact that Ping was back. However, Ping was careful not to show up in public. But one day very early in the morning as the sun was coming the whole family went to the Buddhist temple and burnt some incense and left some money in the bowl for good luck.
Ping’s sisters and their families came by to see him. It was also very emotional time for everyone with lots of tears and hugging. Ping talked about the camp and Comrade Lin. He also cooked for everyone since he had learned a lot of cooking skills in the camp.
One evening, Mr. Zhang came by with a couple of youth to visit Ping. The youth had heard about Ping joining the communist forces and wanted to talk to him about the possibility of them also joining. “Mr. Zhang, I never forget the day that we met comrade Mao and I joined the group of volunteers. I am happy to see you and these wonderful youth who are interested in the communist movement.“ Ping welcomed everyone.
“Ping, You’re a hero in our eyes. I heard some news about you from the friends and your imprisonment. It’s great to see you again. Please share with us information about the condition of the movement.” Mr. Zhang inquired as Ping’s family was listening.
Ping paused for a few seconds. “Well, what I can tell you is that there are lots of youth coming from all over the country to join the movement. We are getting stronger by the day. Clearly our country is in lot of trouble. Our families are working hard but cannot make enough money to eat properly. The situation with the landlord, the bandits everywhere and foreigners taking advantage of our country must change.” Ping explained as everyone listened. “Being in prison was very difficult. I am very lucky to escape with the help of a dear friend. Unfortunately, Demin, a youth from our village, as you know is still in prison.” Ping explained how he and Lei Feng escaped from the prison. Ping’s father served everyone with tea. “We have to go now. We are so happy to see you again. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.” Mr. Zhang expressed his gratitude as he and the youth left Ping’s house.
The next day, Mr. Zhang came by the house to talk to Ping. “The youth that came with me to see you, have decided to join the communist forces.” Said Mr. Zhang as him and Ping sat under the tree in front of the House. “Great. I will be leaving in a few days. They can come with me. I will let you know the night before I leave.” Ping responded as his father came out of the house to greet Mr. Zhang.
Six days went by and Ping was thinking about how to tell his family that he needed to get back to the camp. Ping kept thinking about different ways that he could break the news of him leaving again. At night he decided to tell Mei and his family at the dinner table.
“Dad, Mom, Mei and family… I have to tell you all something.” Ping paused for a second. “I have promised to go back to the camp tomorrow.” Mei looked at Ping for a moment and then got up and went outside. Ping followed her. “Mei, I am sorry. But I need to do this. Look at my dad. Look at you all. Look at the condition of our village. The situation in our country. It’s just terrible. We cannot go on like this. Look at you all. It looks like you have not eaten much for months. This is not right. We need to change this. There is no other way.” Mei was in tears. Ping hugged her as he also had tears running down his face. “Your child needs you. I need you here.” Mei Said as she wiped her tears. “I know. I know. I will be back. But now I must go. The country needs me. The people of China need me for a better life” Responded Ping as he tried to reassure his wife.
That night Ping went by Mr. Zhang’s house. “I will be leaving tomorrow morning before dawn. I will stop by your house on my way to the camp. The youth can join me in the morning.” Ping explained to Mr. Zhang. “I will let them know. Thanks for your bravery and leadership. We are all looking forward to your success.” Responded Mr. Zhang as Ping said goodbye and went back home.
It was a difficult night. Ping’s parents and two little brothers were all crying as Ping and Mei went to their room for Mei to feed the baby. “You have to be strong. We need to help each other to make this easier on both of us. There are thousands of young people putting their lives on the line. We now have something to be proud of. A better future for our child.” Ping pleaded with Mei to understand the importance of the moment and what was happening.
Tears kept flowing down Mei’s face. This was do difficult for her to accept. “I can see that you are much stronger. The hardship has made you a very strong man. You sound different. You have a lot passion. I can see what you are doing and I am very proud of you. I will try my best to take care of our little one. I am just worried that you might get wounded in the war.” Mei explained her thoughts and concerns. “I will be OK. I am the cook. I am mostly in the kitchen in the camp. Comrade Lin told me that I don’t have to use a gun if I don’t want to. So please don’t worry.” Ping tried to comfort his wife. At the same time he was really happy to hear Mei’s comments about him and her continued support.
That night Mei and Ping didn’t sleep well as they held each other all night and talked about their plans to build a home in the future when Ping comes home.
Early in the morning as the sun was coming up, Ping gave Mei and their baby a big hug and came out of the house to leave when he saw that his mom and dad were sitting under the tree in front of the home. Ping hugged both of them. “Ping, please take care of yourself. Don’t get into trouble. We are waiting for you to come back.” Said Li Gong. His mom gave Ping a package of food wrapped in a large handkerchief. “Please eat well.” Said Ping’s mom as she could not hold back her tears. “You guys also take care of yourself. Mom.” Ping gave the rest of the cash in his pocket to his dad. “I hope you can buy enough food for the family. I will try to send you more money whenever I can.”
Ping got on his way after saying goodbye and hugging his parents. He went to Mr. Zhang’s home where the two youth were waiting for him. Together, they left the village towards the camp.
© 2021 Ramses Rashidi
Sacrifice...and a heightened understanding of the toll on everyone through untenable conditions and change.