Chapter 2
I put down my fork and plate, sat up straight, and reported just like one of Dad's soldiers.
"I'm done eating. Can I go back to my room and read?" I asked.
Dad kept his serious face, finished chewing, then answered, "Yes, go on."
I got up quickly and didn't even pause before heading straight to my room.
Behind me, I could hear Mom grumbling at Dad.
"Honestly, if the kid doesn't want to eat, just let her be. Why are you making such a fuss over a kid?" Mom said.
Then Dad's stern voice cut in.
"We're a military family, and she's a military kid. How can she be the one setting an example by wasting what hardworking people have put on the table?" Dad said.
"Come on, she's just a kid! Do you really have to be so harsh?" Mom protested.
The rest of their words faded away as I hurried off.
Leaning against my bedroom door, I gulped in air, finally feeling alive again, only to start dry-heaving uncontrollably.
Just as I was about to throw up, I clamped a hand, still smooth and unscarred, over my mouth.
Years of going hungry and freezing had burned the value of every grain of food into my bones.
Besides, this was all in my mind, not my body. If I just hold on, I'll be fine. If I really puked, that'd just be wasting food.
Dropping my hand from my mouth, I exhaled deeply, my face ghostly pale, eyes empty as I stared at the ceiling.
Even now, I still couldn't wrap my head around why my past life ended up so damn tragic.
Tears slid quietly down my cheeks as I slowly sank to the cold cement floor, my back against the door.
Burying my face in my knees, I started sobbing, my body shaking with soft, muffled cries.
After a long while, I finally stopped.
I wiped away the tears at the corners of my eyes and, legs aching and numb, struggled to stand up bit by bit.
Limping over to the desk, I picked up the calendar with shaky hands.
I had this habit since I was a kid, crossing off each day on the calendar. These days, when I could barely keep track of the date, it was actually pretty useful.
It was July 26th, 1970.
Good. There was still a week before my parents got sent away, and four days before they even heard the news. That was enough time for me to prepare.
As for reading, with my parents about to be sent away, if I couldn't solve this crisis, all that reading wouldn't matter anyway, so there was no point in hurrying.
I shoved my books into my bag, threw it on my back, and walked out.
"Mom, I'm going to Kate's to read together," I called out.
"Okay, be back early," Mom replied.
Kate and I were in the same class, and her house was close to mine. We always got along, so I often went over to spend time with her.
Mom knew this, so she never worried.
"Okay," I said.
Kate's aunt, Faith Mitchell, worked at the neighborhood committee, handling everything related to sending educated youth to the countryside.
Back then, nobody wanted to send their kids off to the sticks, so her job was a real headache.
I'd just finished middle school, so I was eligible to go. I decided to volunteer.
"Celia, are you really sure you want to apply to go to the countryside as an educated youth? This isn't something to joke about. Once it's official, there's no turning back," Kate said.
"I'm sure. Right now, the country needs us, educated, capable young people, to go to the countryside and help build the nation. We should answer the call," I replied.
"Could you let Faith know? I hope it can be processed within three days," I said.
She said, "Celia, you've really got spirit. No problem, I'll tell her. Faith's been worried lately. There aren't enough educated youth signing up, and the deadline's almost here.
"Since you're volunteering, forget three days. She can definitely get it done by tomorrow."
"Thanks. Let's do it tomorrow then. There's one more thing I need your help with," I said.
As I spoke, I opened my bag and peeked out the door like I was sneaking around.
Then, from the very bottom of my bag, I pulled out a small stash of candy, stuff I'd been saving for myself but hadn't touched. I handed the whole bundle over to Kate, careful not to make a sound.
I said, "I hope you won't tell my parents about this. I want to give them a real surprise!
"You know my dad. He's a real patriot, always putting the country first. If he finds out his daughter's got such high ideals, he'd be so proud."
Kate's eyes sparkled as she stared at the candy in her hands. In times like these, even a handful of sweets was a rare treasure. With siblings to share with, she'd never had so much candy all to herself.
She kept touching the candy, then carefully unwrapped the paper, picked out one piece, and hid it close to her chest. But with a heavy heart, she gave the rest back to me.
Kate grinned, "Seriously, it's no big deal. Just say the word, and I'll handle it. You really didn't have to give me all this; one piece would've been plenty."