I worked like a beast of burden for thirty years, finally living to see my son start a family and my grandson take his first wobbly steps.
I gathered my courage and asked my husband:
"Thirty years ago, you promised to take me traveling all over the country. Does that promise still stand?"
My husband shook his head awkwardly:
"Huizhen, we're getting on in years. Can't you stop being so childish?"
My son and daughter-in-law looked at me askance, too.
"Mom, this family can't do without you. Think about it: if you leave, who's going to run the household? Let's not make a fuss over nonsense."
But that very night, I found the train tickets in my husband's drawer.
There were five in all: one for my husband, one each for my son and daughter-in-law, one for my grandson, and one for his mistress, Xiufang.
They were leaving in five days.
In an instant, my heart turned to ash.
Five days later, I packed everyone's bags, went over all the things they needed to know, and saw them onto the green train.
Before leaving, my son told me:
"Mom, we're counting on you to watch the house. When we get back, we'll bring you some local specialties."
My husband walked alongside his mistress, and my grandson clung tightly to her, too.
After watching them leave, I turned around, sold the house, and bought a train ticket heading north.
I'd waited thirty years to see the country's great rivers and mountains. This time, I'd go by myself.
