The Promise Between My Uncle and Me

Dear Uncle, how have you been? There’s so much I want to tell you, but I don’t know where to begin. Whenever I think about it, the pain tears me apart. Back then, I had no choice and couldn’t see you one last time. You don’t blame me, do you? Do you remember? As a child, I was like a little glutton. Food was scarce in those days, and we only got to eat a little meat once in a while. But you knew how much I loved meat and the egg rolls you made. You would take the eggs Auntie had saved up for ages and make egg rolls for me. You even cut off meat your own family could hardly spare and roasted it for me. Whenever Grandma scolded me, you stood up for me. Whenever I got into trouble for being naughty, you got me off the hook. You even taught me how to make egg rolls and braised pork... Auntie argued with you about it several times, but every time you just waved your hand as if it were nothing and said, “He’s just a child. What’s the harm in letting him have a little? How much could he possibly eat?” Your carefree attitude made Auntie so angry that she wouldn’t speak to you for days. But you never let it bother you. You always found a way to make it up to her, then went right back to spoiling me. You kept giving me treats, too. One New Year, even though your own family barely had enough to eat, you gave me and my cousin five jiao each. Back then, one yuan could buy a meal with meat, and that was a lot of money for your family. I was so happy at the time. Now, thinking back, I feel both blessed and heartbroken. Uncle, I miss you so much. If I could turn back time, I would go see you without hesitation...