Love in simple things

Love is sharing

The town is empty. Everyone is celebrating the Chinese New Year. Not Mr.Greyhair and Zhiyu. Everyone calls the old shopkeeper Mr.Greyhair. Zhiyu didn't question it at all. He has black hair. He walked in front of his shop with his hands tied behind his back.

"Mr.Greyhair"

"Hey, Zhiyu. Don't call me that" He grunted behind the shop. It was a petty shop. He didn't attend the celebration because he wanted to enjoy the once-in-a-while empty town. Zhiyu had a severe fever. His family went to the celebration because they might have some work during these festivals that could make their living for the next month easy. "Call me uncle"

"Okay, Uncle. Why didn't you go to the festival?"

"I am old and tired. I didn't want to go. Why didn't you go?"

"I am sick" He coughs loudly to show him he is sick. "My mom left me alone"

"Alone? Your mother is not in her right senses. How can she leave a little kid alone? She has trust in everyone in this town. Come sit with me"

"No, It is alright. I will go home" He was sad when he turned around and walked away. The old man stopped him

"Why are you sad?" He came out of the shop with his hands behind his back.

"I don't have the energy to play. I want to play" The old man brought his hand forward and gave him a small chocolate. Zhiyu's eyes widened. "Wow, Thank you, Mr.Grey... Sorry. Thank you, Uncle" He smiled at him again. The old man returned to his shop. Suddenly, Zhiyu walked behind him.

"Go home. Have something to eat. It is very hot"

Zhiyu didn't answer anything. He just asked, "Can I stay here?"

"Sure" The old man brought out a box of food sat in a chair and pulled a cardboard box for Zhiyu to sit on. "Tell me, Zhiyu. How is school?"

"It is very entertaining"

"Entertaining? Aren't you supposed to study there?"

"I am a child. We don't have much reading. Do you know a secret?" Zhiyu stood up to his height and pulled him closer. "We even sleep for 1 hour"

"1 Hour?"

"Yes, our teacher allows us to sleep for one whole hour after lunch. Isn't that so cool? My mom doesn't allow me to sleep after lunch. She says I won't sleep at night"

"School sounds so good. I didn't go to school at all"

"Oh my god, really?"

"Yes, I didn't go to school. My parents were not able to afford it"

"Oh, why?"

"We were not born rich. My parents worked so hard to bring us food. Nothing fancy. Just rice. They will work so hard in the field to bring us food every day."

"Oh"

"Your parents work hard too. They feed you and send you to school every day"

"It might sound new to you kids. Back in my days... Wait, we will eat together and talk". He took out a small piece of plate and handed it over to Zhiyu. "You should eat healthily and become very mighty"

Zhiyu held the plate with his hand and shared some food with the old man. Two different generations share food and smiles to find a balance in their lives. 

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About the story

Welcome to "100 Days of Short Love Stories," where love comes alive! Each day, for the next 100 days, I will share a unique, heartwarming short story that explores the many dimensions of love. From sweet first encounters to bittersweet goodbyes, from fantasies to adventures, these stories will take you on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of love.

Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a daydreamer, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, there's something here for everyone. Join me on this adventure, and let's celebrate love! Love through my eyes.

About the author

📚 Fiction, YA, Romance, Fantasy, & Thriller Writer ✨ | Storyteller at heart ❤️ | Sharing my worlds, one tale at a time ✍️ | Follow for your next adventure!

Disclaimer

© Saranya G. All rights reserved. This story and its content are the intellectual property of the author. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief quotations in reviews. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

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