It was the first new year that I actually felt so blissful for the first time in my life. Ashton, Summer, and I spent another week in J City before returning to K City.
When we were about to depart, Charlie walked out with Summer in his arms. They were still frolicking around.
Summer had put on some weight during the festive seasons. Thus, it was quite a challenge for Charlie to carry her all the way. Although he was panting and looking slightly exhausted, he did not admit to it. He was playing a fool with Summer and making her laugh boisterously.
“Let me carry her, Uncle Charlie.” Ashton stepped forward, wanting to take over and relieve his uncle.
The latter did not hand Summer over immediately. He fixed her scarf, gazed at Ashton and me, and sighed as he finally passed Summer over to Ashton.
“Summer, do call me more frequently once you’re home. Will you remember this?” Charlie grinned from ear to ear.
“Yes, I will, Grandpa Charlie!” Summer was very well-behaved, adorable, and likeable by all. Saying goodbye to her made Helen and Sally teared up.
Macy would be so relieved and delighted to know that Summer is loved by all her elders.
Heaving a sigh, Charlie looked at both Ashton and me and reminded us, “I won’t nag you further, but do look after Summer and be careful on the road. Ashton, do remember to bring Scarlett and Summer to visit the Moores. Uphold the good virtues and proper mannerism as you should. Don’t let others criticize the Fullers for displaying bad etiquettes.”
I laughed at his comments, knowing that Cameron and Zachary were not so petty about these things. Then I assured him, “We don’t live very far from them, so it’s not a big deal to travel to and fro. They can see Summer whenever they like.”
That was also the reason why Ashton and I wanted to spend new year’s in J City.
Compared to the other relatives, Charlie was quite lonely. Since we stayed quite a distance from them, I often felt bad for not being able to be around them. This new year, it was inevitable for us to bring on the merry and keep them company during the festive seasons.
Drooping his head, Charlie continued to lecture us, “Visiting the elders during festivity has got nothing to do with how far or close you’re from them. Don’t mix the two up. Good manners begin at home. These are the unsaid rules that you should be mindful of, so don’t take these things lightly. You two are still too young!”
“Rest assured that I’ll bring them over and pay a visit soon,” Ashton eased the situation while I leaned on him and obliged like a good wife.
Over thousands of years, families in Chanaea continued teaching the next generations how to preserve traditions of rich culture and practice customs of good social etiquettes. There were especially evident in the area of developing harmonious relationships. Courtesy was deemed as a precious element in enhancing human bonds and bridging generational gaps. These concepts might not be easily understood by the younger generations, but they were definitely valued by heart amongst the seniors.
With that, Uncle Charlie nodded satisfactorily while lowering his head. Time stood still as everyone remained in silence. A somber atmosphere enveloped the place when it was time to bid each other goodbye.
Just then, Helen broke the silence unexpectedly, “All right, all right, it’s time to go. Otherwise, you’ll be late for your flight. Go now.”
Everyone became alert once again and hurriedly ushered us into the car.
The chauffeur started the engine and drove us to the airport as we parted ways in a hurry.
I stared at the rearview mirror and saw Charlie and the rest waving at us under a towering tree. Their actions gradually slowed down, and moments later, their silhouettes vanished from my sight. We left with an extremely heavy heart.
I can’t remember which poet has said this before, that life is a constant replay of farewells. It’s made up of countless collections of moments when you send your beloved off so that the reunion becomes invaluable. The only thing is that no one knows when the next reunion will be.
Ashton noticed that I was feeling glum, so he passed Summer over to me.
The intelligent Summer stretched out her arms to me and requested, “Mommy, carry me!”
