But try as he might, Meng Yunhan couldnât sleep. However, to keep his mother-in-law from worrying, he could only nod and agree.
Yunhanâs mother was out washing diaper cloths, her heart fluttering like a seesaw. She too was worried that something might happen to her son.
Who could guarantee oneâs safe return from the battlefield?
Their little grandson had just been born. If something were to happen to her son, how would his wife cope?
As soon as Yunhanâs father reached the post office on his bike, he took out a number and asked the clerk to dial it for him.
The call was soon connected. âIâm looking for Yun Hao.â
âSorry, Captain Yun is not at the base right now.â
A pang of worry hit Yunhanâs father. âWhen he returns, tell him his son was born, weighing over seven pounds, a big, healthy boy.â
âI will relay your message.â
With that, Yunhanâs father hung up the phone and stood there for a while.
The post office clerk was a bit perplexed. âUncle, are you okay?â His grandson was born, it was a joyful event. Why did he look so troubled?
âItâs nothing. How much do I owe you?â Yunhanâs father shook off his previous stiffness and managed to squeeze out a smile.
âTwo minutes, two dollars.â
After paying, Yunhanâs father bought some brown sugar from the commissary before getting back on his bike to go home.
Meanwhile, back at the base.
âReport.â
âCome in.â
âCommissar, I just received a call from Captain Yunâs father, he said Captain Yunâs wife gave birth to a big, healthy boy.â The communications officer choked up as he relayed the message.
Commissar Gu waved him off. âYou may go.â
âYes, Commissar.â
Commissar Gu sat at his desk, motionless. When he led his troops to the border, Captain Yun insisted on going, saying they needed him. Now his whereabouts were unknown.
How was he going to relay the news to the military wife who had just given birth to their child and who had such exquisite handwriting?
âBoy, why are you hiding in here?â
âColonel Tang, Xiaoyunâs wife just gave birth to a big, fat boy.â
Colonel Tang came over and sat down. Glancing at him, he said, âThis is good news. Why the long face?â
Commissar Gu stood up. âHeâs currently MIA.â
Tang straight out cursed, âHe cares for his wife too much to just abandon her halfway through. Heâll wake up.â
Commissar Gu found Tangâs words somewhat sensible.
However, he soon added, âBut I heard that the bullet hit his heart, and thereâs still no word.â
âHeâs survived every big and small incident over the years. He canât possibly give up now, knowing his wife just gave birth.â
âIf Xiaoyun wakes up, I wonât call him that next time.â Commissar Gu lamented.
Colonel Tang shot him a cold glance. âLook at the state of you. Pull yourself together, tell the boy the good news. Maybe that will wake him up.â
A light flickered in Commissar Guâs eyes. He slapped the desk, âMakes sense. I refuse to believe that upon hearing this good news, he wouldnât wake up. Even if heâs on the brink of death, heâll run back.â
With that, he turned on his heel and left.
Colonel Tang watched, helpless, as the agitated Commissar stormed out. From the looks of it, one might think that it was his wife who was in a coma. But Colonel Tang knew better â the bonds between them were strong, having faced life and death together. Theyâve been his soldiers for over a decade now. Time sure flies, he too was getting old.