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墨書 Inktalez
"Dad, let's go up the mountain!" Dou Dou pointed at the stone steps ahead. I nodded, "I know, we'll take a break and then head out. Mom is still waiting for you by the railway."
As we continued uphill, the path became more challenging. Two trees had been uprooted by the strong winds a few days ago, lying across the trail. They probably hadn't been cleared yet, and considering it's the rainy season, a storm could hit at any moment. Speaking of storms, I urged the kids to pick up the pace. Although the sky was clear now, who knows what the weather might bring? The heavens don't listen to us. Fortunately, the two kids had plenty of energy, while I, carrying a bit of extra weight, was starting to feel fatigued. I was panting heavily; that thick branch I had picked up earlier was coming in handy. Otherwise, I might have really struggled on this uphill trek.
Suddenly, I spotted a landslide area ahead—something common during the rainy season. Dirt and rocks had fallen and blocked the path completely. What should I do? Turn back? That wouldn't do at all! I still hadn't figured out what Hua Yiduo was up to! Lost in thought, I heard Dou Dou and Ya Ya laughing. Turning around, I saw they had already reached the slope and were climbing up using exposed tree roots. To my surprise, there was a sign next to me pointing to this section of the slope labeled "Cha Cha Path." It seemed like an officially recognized climbing trail. Did I have to climb too? Oh dear, all this weight was going to be a challenge.
Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the rugged slope. The children moved like little sprites in the forest, nimbly weaving between roots and rocks with agility as if they were born for this woodland. They had already made it halfway up and turned around to wave excitedly at me, shouting, "Dad, hurry up!"
Standing at the bottom of the slope and watching their small figures filled me with warmth. Taking a deep breath, I prepared to start my ascent. I tossed aside the thick branch; it had become a burden by now. Searching for stable roots and rocks to use as footholds, I reached out and grabbed a sturdy root deeply embedded in the soil—it gave me enough confidence to proceed.
I pushed off from a protruding rock with my foot, pressing my body against the slope as I carefully moved upward. As I climbed higher, the incline grew steeper; I had to exert all my strength to grasp each root securely with every step. My arms began to ache, and sweat trickled down my forehead, blurring my vision.
As I neared the top of the slope, a sense of relief washed over me. The kids were already waiting there for me, extending their little hands with faces beaming with pride and anticipation. I grasped their small hands while noticing that their other hands were firmly holding onto nearby trees for safety.
"These kids aren't foolish," I thought to myself. "Isn't autism supposed to mean they're disabled?" Shame washed over me again for my ignorance. I resolved to read some books when I got home to better understand what autism truly is.
I stood up and brushed off the dirt from my clothes, filled with gratitude. This climb was not just a physical challenge but also a profound emotional experience. Looking at my children, their eyes sparkled with curiosity and love for this world. I realized that no matter what labels society places on them, they are unique individuals deserving of love and respect.
Standing at the top of the slope, gazing into the distance brought forth many reflections in my heart.
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