My Youth Was Like a Stray Dog

(Memories of towns and county seats, post-95 youth, school life, everyday moments, family, friendship, complicated love, first person) I was like a stray dog running with the wind, growing bigger as I chased it. I gnawed on a giant bone called memory, sniffing from it the scent of the New Year; the longing of the dead; the bright lights of Gusu’s internet cafes; missed opportunities in life; tangled love stories; the bewilderment of existence... I fell into the mud and was trampled beneath the feet of my master, Time, who scolded me: “You shameless stray dog, how much longer can you keep running?” “You’ve been chasing the wind since childhood. Aren’t you tired?” “Drop that bone you’re dragging along, and perhaps you’ll be able to run a little farther.” No! I know I’m tired! But I can’t stop! And I won’t abandon that giant bone! I’m taking these damned memories of life with me to the grave. I’m a wretched stray dog chasing the wind! Young hearts roam these mountains and rivers, wild as stray dogs. “I just want to keep living in the time I love, over and over...”